How Erick Kapaito's advice became turning point in Ulinzi Stars' Leshan Mootian's football career

attacking midfielder Leshan Mootian is quickly becoming a household name in Kenyan football circles if his meteoric rise is any barometer.

Just 10 months ago, the talented midfielder was plying his trade in the fourth tier but through hard work and determination, he has earned his second call-up.

Ulinzi Stars forward Enosh Ochieng has explained the impact of their huge victory over AFC Leopards over the weekend.

He is part of the final 23-man Harambee Stars squad for the must-win final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against on November 15 and four days later in South Africa. He was included in the team that did duty against South Sudan in the African Nations Championships previously.

Mootian, reflecting on the remarkable turnaround in his fortunes, credits his new-found status partly to the solid advice he received from two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winner , when he joined top-tier football.

The soldiers face a litmus test against Posta Rangers on October 27

«When I joined Ulinzi, he was kind enough to advise me and I can dare say, his words have played a big part in being where I am today. He counseled me to be confident and work hard. I wouldn’t mind achieving the things he has,» Mootian told .

Kapaito, 29, was named the MVP and Golden Boot winner in the 2018 season and replicated the double success in the 2020-2021 campaign with Kariobangi Sharks. Kapaito currently plays for Tanzanian side Namungo FC and has racked up a handful of national team call-ups.

Mootian says Kapaito’s achievements make him an example to be emulated. «Kapaito has achieved a lot in the top league and remains a respected figure in our community. Every aspiring footballer in our community wants to be like him.»