Raphael Asudi: Gor's Young Gem Out To Shake Goodison

NAIROBI, Kenya- As the clock ticks towards the historic international friendly between Everton FC and Gor Mahia FC at Goodison Park on November 6, one Kenyan youngster cannot wait to put on his boots on and showcase his talent at the hallowed grounds of English football.

Having earned rave reviews from his manager, Dylan Kerr after his breakout season in the 2018 SportPesa Premier League, Raphael Asudi, 20, is in line to play in the biggest game of his nascent career to date when the English Premier League heavyweights welcome the record 17-time Kenyan league champions.

Should Asudi strut his stuff on the pristine Goodison pitch where many famous figures in world football made their name, it will represent an amazing rise from a settlement east of the Kenyan capital Nairobi named after a dairy farm- Doonholm-to playing in one of the most revered football cities in the world.

The energetic 20-year old’s determination and talent saw him elbow stiff competition in a stacked midfield to force his way to the first team where his eye-catching performances have convinced Kerr and the K’Ogalo faithful they have a gem in their ranks.

The British tactician who has led Gor to the last two SPL titles as well as a successful defence of their SportPesa Super Cup that earned them the coveted ticket to Goodison is full of adulation for the budding midfielder.

Speaking in Kisumu a day before they received their 2018 SPL trophy on September 25, Kerr identified Asudi as one of the players in his ranks who refused their heads to drop when the club was rocked by a 25-day strike over unpaid dues.

“I told my squad they will be playing for places to make the team for Everton in the last four matches of the season. Raphael is one of those who have shown their worth and hunger,” Kerr told SportPesa News when he demanded a big performance to crown their title success when they faced former champions Mathare United FC.

Wretched form

His team was coming off a wretched bad patch of form, losing their previous four games in all competitions, three in the SPL and their exit from the 2018 SportPesa Shield Cup at the quarterfinal stage when they went down on post-match penalties to Kariobangi Sharks FC.

At a packed Moi Stadium in Kisumu, Mathare fought from going 2-0 down to level the contest 2-2 late on but Asudi turned in another imposing display that saw him soak the acclaim from a notoriously difficult to please Green Army faithful.     

The left-footed defender, who is also comfortable playing in midfield, is part of the Gor squad set to leave the country on November 2 for landmark match against high-flying Everton who have found their bearings under new manager, Marco Silva, winning plaudits for their enthralling attacking football.

Asudi’s rapid progression has seen him become a local media sensation as well as a topic of discussion on football forums on social media and fittingly, we caught up with him when he was headed to K24, a television channel for a sports show.

“I’m very excited to be part of the team that will face Everton at Goodison,” Asudi began.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it will definitely boost my confidence as an upcoming player. We may never get another chance to play at such an iconic stadium and I plan to make it count,” he added.

It is rare to find a young Kenyan player exhibiting such awareness of the importance of such career opportunities presented before them, explaining why few break into the desired ranks of professional football in Europe but Asudi intends to buck the trend.

For starters Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winning attacking midfielder who has won two FA Cups at the Gunners since joining them from Spanish giants, Real Madrid CF, inspires him.

Asudi made 10 appearances for K’Ogalo in the just-concluded season and gained recognition due to his agility, sublime first touch and his undeniable ability to soak in the pressure and pick out a pass much in the mould of his Turkish-born German hero who plays way higher up on the pitch.

Memorable assist

His prowess saw him provide four assists where his creativity led to his side scoring in SPL matches against Zoo Kericho FC, Mathare as well as in a SportPesa Shield match against Ken Poly FC.

“Being a part of this team and more importantly being able to contribute to our success is a fantastic feeling to say the least.

“My most memorable assist was the one I gave to Jacques (Tuyisenge) in our 2-2 draw against Mathare on the day we were presented with the SPL trophy,” Asudi revealed.

He was born and raised in Donholm where his family’s modest means prompted him to develop a love for football from an early age as a potential outlet from poverty.

He joined Donholm Primary School and that is where the young Asudi began to realise his auspicious talent for the game.

The emerging Gor star became the bedrock of his school team and worked hard to develop his skills until the completion of his formative education.

By the time Asudi was set to join high school to continue with his education, he had set up his mind on what he wanted to do with life, which was to become a professional footballer.

He joined Pumwani Secondary School and this is where Asudi began to display the attitude that many lack in their quest to attempt to join the big leagues.

His small-bodied physique would not naturally frighten opponents but he used this to his advantage, proving to be a constant menace throughout his high-school career.

“My time in Pumwani enabled me to realise the potential I had and my teammates always told me to make the most of it.

“I grew so much as a player and I gained confidence that has helped me become the what I am today,” Asudi underlined.

Soon after he completed his O-Level education, Asudi caught the eye of a couple of coaches who approached him to join their teams.

After plenty of deliberation, he made the decision to join the Gor’s youth team when former Kenyan international Tom Ogweno who is the head coach of the side approached him.

It proved a masterstroke and after a fantastic season with the Under 20s where he formed a huge underground following, Asudi was primed to make the step up to professional football.

Kerr straightaway decided to call him up to join the first team in a development that might ultimately prove to be a life-changing event in the youngster’s embryonic football career.

Kerr love

“I’m very grateful to Coach Kerr for believing in me and granting me the opportunity to play in the top flight this season.

“Kerr is a great coach who constantly motivates me to give my all and I believe that Gor is very lucky to have him,” Asudi hailed, returning the love from his manager who’s eyes light up whenever he is talking about him.

He made his SPL debut on April 22, when Gor ran riot in the second half, scoring four in a 5-2 victory over now-relegated Thika United FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Asudi’s mature confidence on the ball and tireless recovery when they lost the ball was unmatched during Gor’s last two league games. He insists that being a part of such a united team has really helped him.

“When I walk out onto the pitch, I leave all the nerves and pressure in the locker room.

“My teammates have been very helpful and the inspiration they offer me has been very key to my good performances,” he explained.

“The year has been great and I couldn’t have asked for more on my debut season. We won the league, a first for me and I’m really looking forward to winning many more in the coming years.

The last born in a family of five spends most of his free time with his sister at home before and after training, a routine that he holds dear to his heart in a bid to escape the pitfalls that have befallen many a budding Kenyan footballer.

Asudi, a loyal Arsenal FC fan, is relishing the prospect of playing on the same field as ex-Gunner Theo Walcott, who now plays for Everton.

“It will be great to meet the entire Everton team and especially Walcott. I have always admired him and it will be amazing to show them that we can handle the challenge they pose,” he charged.

Young Asudi has not penned many chapters in his professional football career but based on his early promise, the ink will not dry anytime soon in a country where explosive talent comes to notice much later than what European football supporters are used to.