Firat, are you following? Sligo Rovers coach waxes lyrical of electric Kenyan striker with  'X Factor'

FOOTBALL Firat, are you following? Sligo Rovers coach waxes lyrical of electric Kenyan striker with 'X Factor'

Mark Kinyanjui 17:00 - 01.04.2024

The 23-year old striker is showing remarkable progress towards stepping up to the plate in the top flight of Irish football

Sligo Rovers' Kenyan striker Wilson Waweru has earned high praise from manager John Russell, who believes the 23-year-old possesses all the attributes required to excel in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Waweru, who hails from Galway, Ireland, joined Sligo Rovers last December and has already made an impact with one goal in six appearances for the club. 

Prior to his move to Sligo, Waweru spent the 2023 season on loan with First Division side Cobh Ramblers, where he showcased his talent by scoring 13 league goals in 30 appearances, along with providing four assists.

Manager John Russell expressed his admiration for Waweru's abilities, highlighting his speed, strength, and knack for scoring goals. 

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"He's always been a player that's stood out to me," Russell remarked on the Irish Indipendent.

"He's got fantastic ability, he's quick, strong, he's got a bit of X-Factor in the final third."

Russell emphasized Waweru's versatility as a striker, noting his ability to create space and take on defenders with agility.

 "When he faces defenders up, he can shift the ball and go by them quickly," Russell added. "He's got that directness and pace about him to run in behind."

In addition to his attacking prowess, Russell commended Waweru's work ethic and commitment to the team. "His work-rate is really good, presses from the front, chases back, a real player who wears his heart on his sleeve," Russell stated.

With Sligo Rovers aiming to provide Waweru with the necessary support and service, Russell expressed confidence in the striker's ability to make a significant impact.

 "I'm confident that he's going to be able to put the ball in the net," Russell affirmed. "I think we're going to provide him with chances."

Russell also highlighted the importance of Waweru's integration into the club's system and the opportunity for him to improve through full-time training and playing alongside experienced teammates.

 "Full-time training with the staff that we have here working with him day-to-day, he'll improve his game," Russell explained.

 "Playing with better players brings out the best in other players."

Waweru’s parents are both Kenyan but the youngster was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland.