Brian Wanyama is finally living his dream after he got promoted to AFC Leopards’ senior team in May. The youngster made his debut against Kariobangi Sharks a week ago before starting in the derby three days later against Gor Mahia in the FKF Cup final.The youngster’s journey to the top has however been far from smooth. He played for Ingwe’s youth team for five years, watched others get promoted as he got overlooked, suffered injury setbacks and other personal tragedies, severally thought about quitting the game altogether before finally, lady luck smiled his way.Coming on in the second half against Sharks marked the end of what has been a turbulent period for him and signaled what could be the beginning of a beautiful career for the skillful midfielder who finally realized his dream of playing for the club he has supported all his life.Mozzart Sport caught up with the 20-year old third born in a family of seven for an exclusive interview.Brian Wanyama made his AFC Leopards debut on Wednesday against Kariobangi Sharks and today he starts in the derby, his biggest football career match.Good luck young man. pic.twitter.com/cN8O0GRWsi— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) July 4, 2021 Tell us more about yourselfI am a third born in a family of seven, I was born in Nairobi but my rural home is Busia. I am an attacking midfielder; I can play as a number 8 or 10 but I prefer 8 because it gives me more room to express myselfYou have been at AFC Leopards since 2016. Take us through your journey and why did it take you too long to break into the first team?I joined the AFC Leopards Youth team in 2016 and played in two KPL U20 tournaments. I had hoped to earn a contract with the team but just before the Decmeber edition of the KPL U20 Tournament in 2016 but I got involved in a motorbike accident and I missed the tournament. It was a major setback for me because I strongly believe the tournament would have granted me my career breakthrough. During the same period, I lost my father and for a moment I was completely lost but I want to thank my friends and family for standing with me. Special mention to coach Boniface Ambani, he was very supportive and even supported us financially, he has also played a role in shaping me to become the player I am right now.It must have been tough waiting for the elevation to the senior team for five yearsIt has been tough, severally I contemplated quiting football, as recent as February this year. I had decided to call it quits but coach Rodney Machayo back in my hood encouraged me to keep going. He believes in my abilities and told me that my breakthrough would come soon. Over the years the team promised to promote me to the senior team severally but as I was about to get that promotion, something always happned to stop this, mostly injuries. I had concluded that I was jinxed.You have a famous uncle, Ezekiel Akwana who also played for AFC Leopards. How has he influenced your football career?He has influenced my career in a great way. He first brought me to AFC Leopards when he was in charge of the youth team, he is my biggest critic and supporter because he wants me to improve. I work very hard because I want to make him proud and repay the faith he has in me. He is a legend at AFC Leopards and is remembered many years after he left, I equally want to leave a mark in the team.Another addition from the AFC Leopards CUBS to the AFC Leopards Senior teamHis name is Brian Bwire Wanyama Wanyama who made his Senior team debut on Wednesday in an FKF-PL match against @k_sharksfc had this to say about his debut : #FKFCupFinals #OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/ShQA8FJ73m— AFC Leopards (@AFCLeopards) July 2, 2021 When did you get the opportunity to train with the senior team and how was the experience?I started training with the team in May when the government lifted the restrictions. At first, I was star struck because I was training with the best players in the league but slowly by slowly I got used to it because they were very supportive and kept encouraging me to relax and give my best. The fact that players like Austin (Odhiambo) and Bandi (Lewis) who I played with in the youth team are in the team helped make things easier. I am now fully settled and focused on earning my place in the team.Your debut against Kariobangi Sharks – did the coach inform you that you would play prior to coming on?Not really but I was always ready. I knew that the chance would finally come and I was mentally and physically prepared for that moment. When he informed me that I would be taking to the pitch I was a little nervous but I told myself that I needed to grab the chance and give my best. Being my debut I think I tried to give my best, the coach said he was happy with my debut performance and my teammates equally congratulated me.Starting in the derby a few days after making your debut, how was the experience?Generally, I am a confident person and when I learned that I would be starting I told myself that I was going to give my absolute best because I understand what the derby means to the club and the fans. It is unfortunate that we lost through penalties but we will strive to make our fans happy next time.Why did you settle on jersey number 8 and do you feel any pressure donning it?I am a number 8 and when I was informed that the number was available I was really delighted because it is my favourite number and players that I idolize like Toni Kroos and Andreas Iniesta wear it. So for me, the fact that I got promoted and got the number 8 jersey was a double blessing. The stars aligned well.TEAM NEWS Brian Bwire Wanyama makes his first start in his first ever #MashemejiDerbyEzekiel Owade starts off the bench #Betsafe #FKFCupFinals #OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/x2YESSw6j7— AFC Leopards (@AFCLeopards) July 4, 2021 Which player do you look up to or like his style of play?Locally I can say I look up to Mwas (Samuel Mwangi) of KCB. He is one of the most intelligent players that I have ever seen. I love his style of play. Internationally Toni Kroos is my role model, he is another very intelligent player. I used to like Andreas Iniesta as well.You spent many years in the youth team, what can you tell other players looking forward to earning promotion to the senior side.I want to encourage them to keep working hard. I had to wait for five years to get my chance and with discipline and hard work they will definitely get the opportunity to link up with the senior team. There are many talented players in the youth team and I urge them not to despair because honest hard work will always be rewarded.Your parting shotI want to thank coach Patrick Aussems for the opportunity and the management and teammates for the support accorded to me. I am just starting my career in Leopards colours and I will always give the best for the club. I want to be successful here and I will work to achieve that. Playing for Leopards comes with pressure but I am sure with handwork I will be successful here.Personal dataName: Brian Bwire WanyamaPosition: MidfielderFoot: RightAge: 20Place of birth: NairobiClub: AFC Leopards
