Ulinzi Stars Captain Brian Birgen had revealed what his return means to the team especially in the crucial second leg stage.Birgen is one of the additions to the Ulinzi Stars second leg squad and makes a return after missing out on the first leg to attend military training.Loooooooook who’s baaaaacckkk!!!! 😆#GBUS pic.twitter.com/d2GXdmdo7g— Ulinzi Stars FC (@UlinziStarsFC) February 9, 2025 The right back made his first appearance this season when he came on for Leshan Mootian in the 70th minute of Ulinzi’s barren draw against Kakamega Homeboyz on Sunday 9 February 2025.Speaking to the press after the match, Birgen, who took on the captain’s armband upon his introduction, shared what his return means to his side which is composed of generally young and inexperienced players.##NAJAVA_MECA_8702905##“My role is to help the young players. The team took a different direction and decided to transition by bringing in young players which made us struggle a little bit in the first leg as there were not enough senior players to guide them.I therefore join the other senior players in mentoring them and encouraging them to believe in their potential,” said Birgen.Apart from Birgen, Ulinzi have also added to their ranks the experienced duo of Oscar Wamalwa, who returns to the fold from military duties, and Meshack Karani, who crossed over from league debutants Mara Sugar.Homeboyz out to extend unbeaten run as Sharks, City Stars seek to end eight-game winless streaksThe 2010 league champions have also signed Victor Kioko, an attacking midfielder who returns from military training, and youngster Joseph ‘Omuse’ Baraza from St. Antony’s Boys, Kitale.Back to the match against Kakamega Homeboyz, Birgen shared a self assessment of his performance over the 25 minutes that he was on the pitch in the hot and sunny Sunday afternoon.“It was a tricky match. I have not been around for the whole of the first leg and therefore not at my best level of fitness but I have pushed myself and worked hard to give my best,” he stated.Ulinzi are 11th on the league standings with 24 points ahead of their next match against Murang’a Seal on Saturday 15 February at St. Sebastian Park, Murang’a.
