Nairobi City Stars goalkeeper Steve Njung’e hopes to be Nicholas Muyoti’s first option in goal ahead of the new FKF Premier League season. The former Talanta and Wazito FC goalkeeper who missed a huge chunk of last season due to finger and knee injuries is ready to flip the script this term, as he believes that he is in his best shape ever:“It was a tough last season for me but I am delighted to be back. I just concluded my knee rehabilitation after the season [June] and this is my second month being active. I give credit to our new goalkeeper trainer for getting me ready in time. I feel fitter than ever to attack the new season.” Njung’e told Mozzart Sport.Njung’e hoping to pass fitness test ahead of league kick offThe former Youth Talent Academy goalkeeper is however not sure of a starting role for the Simba wa Nairobi side and believes that his experience and level of commitment will set him apart from Jacob Osano and Elvis Ochoro, who he admits having great camaraderie with.“We have a strong goalkeeping unit. Ochoro and Osano are above average goalkeepers and I believe that anyone here can start. The competition is very healthy and all we do is rally on whoever gets the nod. There is no shortcut in gaining the manager’s confidence but working hard. With my level of experience, I lean on that to get me the number one role.”Njung’e got the lion’s share of matches during the recently concluded Elite Preseason Tournament, starting in three of the five matches Nairobi City Stars took part in, with the big one being the final against Kenya Police on Saturday.“I was excited to have participated in the Elite Preseason Tournament. Despite the fact that we didn’t win and that I couldn’t get a clean sheet, I think it was a good way to kick-start our season. There was a clear way we looked to handle individual matches and I am happy that our objectives were achieved.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6706994##Muyoti after the final against Kenya Police commented about the goalkeeping situation saying, “ Who starts will depend on a couple of things, Njung’e, who is one of our best goalkeepers, is just coming back from injuries. Osano is also very good. If there is competition I think it is going to be very healthy and I am very happy with that. It will boil down to who will be the best before we start our league matches.”A highlight from the six foot five goalkeeper in the Elite Preseason Cup was the now normal sight of him saving penalties, as he came out the hero in the semifinal clash against Kariobangi Sharks, saving two post-match penalties. His secrets no longer held close to his chest:“The key to saving penalties is focus and luck. It is very easy for me to predict which side a player wants to go based on his posture and the look on his face. Nervous players often show you in their eyes. Your mind reading ability has got to be top notch. The rest is all about luck and how good you are at predicting.”Caption this..📸 @hassan_mandevu pic.twitter.com/ZPYNWyNtI3— Official Nairobi City Stars Fc (@NrbCityStars) October 7, 2022 Njung’e however, notes a special thing at City Stars- “We are lucky to have some bit of technology around. We have video analysts who study teams, their penalty takers and their preferred direction. That, alongside our individual efforts of studying films and doing extra research makes us stand out. Some of that pays off. I saved a penalty against Kakamega Homeboyz last season by simply studying Christopher Masinza’s technique pre-game!”The experienced shot stopper admits to watching lots of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtrois’ videos on YouTube as he looks up to his expert saves and fiery commanding character. Njung’e does have one main agenda on his mind, and that is to play for the Kenya National team, “Playing for Harambee Stars is my main aspiration. That offers you a wider audience and a spring-board to greater success.”
