After extending his stay at the club to 2021, Sven Yidah joins us for an interview. The Kibra-born midfielder talks us through the three years he has been here and how he sees the future for himself and the club.

On leaving childhood team Ligi Ndogo for Sharks back in 2016

It was a very difficult decision to make. This was the only team I had played for since I was very little, and I had never imagined leaving that soon. However, when the offer came, we had some good discussion with the management and they allowed me join Sharks which has so much in common with Ligi Ndogo. I was just graduating from the academy and so I thought it was a good decision to join this team that believes so much in young players.

How he describes his three year stay with the club

It has been wonderful. It took sometime before I broke into the first team but what made me happy is that even when I was not playing I was always getting encouragement from my fellow players and the coaches. I have been able to get to the top league which was a dream for me and also I have got the opportunity to play for the national team under 23. At difficult times and good times I have always had a family in Kariobangi Sharks.

What playing under coach KANU has been like

It is a good experience. He is a young coach so he generally understands young players quite well. He has a good brotherly and fatherly touch he is always motivating all of us and he has really shaped me as a player. It is good because he has made a good player.

On being shortlisted among the 2017 KPL new player of the year nominees

It is really motivating to me because it showed that out there, people approve the work I do on the pitch. Even though I didn’t win, I took encouragement. However, that is now in the past, what matters most is what I do now, the work I put in now and I want to work harder so that I become a better player.

On being drafted into the national under 23 side

It’s an honor. To represent my country is something I have dreamed of since I was a kid. I was disappointed that I was never called up for the under 17 and under 20 in the previous years but now I believe my coach and the team have made me better and I am really looking forward to contribute even more for my country.

On being out of action for two months

It is very frustrating. I have never been out for this long. It felt like a year. However, I am grateful to God that I am now healed and I also thank my coach, fellow players and the management for being there for me during this difficult period. It has made feel encouraged and reminded me that this is one big family. The best way I can show my gratitude is by putting in top performances when I am back on the pitch next season and I believe that I will.

On the upcoming continental assignment for the team

It is a great achievement for us that we have qualified for the CAF competition in just our second season in top flight football. We want to take one game at a time and stick to the instructions of our coach then hopefully we will see where we shall get to. The good thing is that those who manage us here believe in us so we have the confidence.

Message to the fans

I am grateful for the support our fans have been offering to the team. I urge them to continue supporting us. I also love my fans from Kibra who have been supporting me since I was a kid, they are special and the keep me going. My academy coach Evans Ogutu who was the first to teach me soccer is also my big fan and he always calls me to motivate and advises me a lot.