Why Makwatta rejected Shabana and AFC Leopards overtures to join Kariobangi Sharks

Why Makwatta rejected Shabana and AFC Leopards overtures to join Kariobangi Sharks

Mark Kinyanjui 17:00 - 14.06.2024

Makwatta, who has been scoring for fun since joining Kariobangi Sharks in January, has revealed why he opted to join his current club over AFC Leopards, Shabana, Tusker and KCB.

Kariobangi Sharks striker John Mark Makwatta has opened up about his decision to join the 2018 FKF Cup holders in January, turning down opportunities to return to AFC Leopards and offers from other clubs like Shabana, Tusker, and KCB.

Makwatta has been in stellar form since joining Sharks, scoring 13 goals and helping the team overcome a rocky start to the season, where they found themselves battling relegation. 

They now sit in eighth place and could potentially finish as high as fourth if they win all their remaining games and other results go their way.

Remarkably, Makwatta could also finish the season as the top scorer despite only starting his campaign in January.

In an interview with Sports Eye Sports,  Makwatta shared his journey and the reasons behind his club choice. After leaving Gaborone United in Botswana, where his contract was terminated right after the August transfer window closed, he faced a challenging period.

“I knew that the January transfer was approaching, so I was just counting days. It was tough because it looked like days were passing by slowly. I was training on my own,” Makwatta said.

He explained the difficulties he encountered due to his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), which prevented him from joining AFC Leopards and other local clubs immediately after leaving Botswana. 

“The other transfer window passed me by because the deadline had passed. After leaving Botswana, I thought I would be registered to a club anytime. My ITC was international, so I could not be counted as a local player, which prevented me from joining AFC Leopards and some other teams I was negotiating with.”

Before settling with Kariobangi Sharks, Makwatta held discussions with Tusker, KCB, and Shabana.

 “Before Sharks, I held talks with Tusker, KCB, and I also considered joining Shabana. I was to travel to Kisii to meet the management, but I never met anyone, so I traveled back,” he revealed.

Makwatta ultimately chose Kariobangi Sharks due to their style of play and organizational structure.

 “At last, I met up with Muluya and settled for them. I think they are the only team playing good football, apart from Police. Their organization and preparation before matches are really good. I also used to train with them after I left Zambia. I was familiar with their setup. That is why I joined them."

He emphasized the importance of teamwork in the club's success.

 “It's not just me. There is an element of teamwork there. Everyone is doing a great job. Some players are even playing for the U18 and U20 sides as well, and everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.”

Makwatta's decision has proven fruitful, as he continues to make significant contributions to Kariobangi Sharks' resurgence this season.

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