Newly promoted National League side SS Assad FC boasts of having a squad of promising youthful players now that they are rubbing shoulders with talented teams in the the 2nd tier of the nation's football league. SS Assad having been established in 1972 initially as Simba Football Club, coastal fans will now be much more represented in the National Super League.
The club sees the growth of undoubtedly one of Kenya’s most promising Goalkeeper, Ali Kesi. Having Schooled in the the same High School as Michael Olunga (UpperHill High school) Kesi has had a steady growth in Kenyan grassroots football.
For the promising shot stopper, his football began in Wayzata Boys school located within Kwale County. The school's club, was then able to bag him a scholarship at UpperHill after an array of outstanding performances.
"Through the club, I managed to get a scholarship at UpperHill school where I completed my secondary school education. My former coach at that time, Salim Juma Kisasi played a bigger role in helping me get the scholarship," explained Kesi as he exclusively spoke to Teamkenya.co.ke.
Doors of opportunity soon came beckoning as the keeper joined giants AFC Leopards." I joined AFC Leopards in 2015 however things didn't turn out well and opted to switch clubs and head to Kakamega Homeboyz," said Kesi.
The talented keeper stayed with Homeboyz for 2 seasons after which he the. made his way to Vihiga United under coach Edward Manoah." Manoah played a big role in my life be it on pitch and off pitch advice that slowly improved me as a player." Kesi wasn't done yet as his trade saw him secure a place at newly promoted FKF side Vihiga Bullets.
At the time, Vihiga had some in house issues that saw Kesi leave due to financial woes and struggles. His goalkeeping were however not forgotten as he played a major role in Vihiga Bullets' promotion to the National Super League.
The decision saw Kesi make a return to his hometown of Kwale and sign up with SS Assad. Speaking about his goals, Kesi also mentioned South African Legendary goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune being one of his biggest role models. "I knew Khune while still in high school and he was a beast between the posts. His distribution, reflexes and leadership skills were what made me fall in love with his game."
"My current goal in life is to make it to pro and I know that everything is possible through God, hardwork, discipline and patience. For our fans, I want them to hope for the best as we see how far we can go in this current season," added Kesi.
SS Assad Manager Hamisi Dele said that last season they were determined to make sure if they did not win then they would climb the ladder to the NSL, and they were very happy to achieve their goal. "It is not an argument that this is the first time we have participated in this NSL league; "We will work hard to win or finish a good position," said Dele.