Boniface Muchiri. IMAGE/ Ulinzi Stars

Boniface Muchiri has explained how the lessons he picked with Harambee Stars at CHAN 2024 will help Ulinzi Stars progress.

Ulinzi Stars winger Boniface Muchiri has explained how he is using his African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2024 experience to help his team progress to the next level after the Soldiers’ second league clash against Kariobangi Sharks on Wednesday.

Ulinzi faced Sharks but were unable to get three points, with both sides settling for a 0-0 draw in the end, which now means they have collected four points from two games this season.

Speaking to Sports Eye Sports following the end of their game at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Muchiri, 28, chose to pick the positives from the side’s draw, viewing it as a point gained rather than two lost.

“We did not concede. A good clean sheet for our keeper Ricks Omondi. The defenders and midfielders played their part, so for us as strikers, we need to grab our chances to help the team progress,” Muchiri said.

Ulinzi were able to protect their point against Sharks, who can tend to be lethal when all guns blazing given their famed possession game approach. Muchiri believes the side did a good job containing them, but must learn to be more effective when they have the possession themselves to progress.

“We need to circulate the ball quicker and make better decisions. Kariobangi Sharks were possessing the ball, but we also did, but we need to be more effective when using it.”

Meanwhile, Muchiri says his standout performances during CHAN 2024 are inspiring both himself and his teammates as they aim to revive Ulinzi’s glory days. 

Muchiri, who also captains the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) outfit, was promoted from Senior Private to Corporal in recognition of his crucial contributions to Kenya’s run to the quarter-finals — including delivering key assists in matches such as the one against Zambia. 

Muchiri wants to  build unity within the squad, ensuring every player feels valued and has the freedom to express themselves on the pitch. On a personal level, he aims high:

“Of course it is about making sure every player is valued and loved in the team. We are all equal and make sure every player is expressing himself on the pitch,” Muchiri said.

“First is to be a better player than yesterday. I want to help my team with goals and assists and make the team progress. My target is to score 10 goals and provide another 10 assists and help the team progress.”

With his recent promotion in KDF and his performance in CHAN 2024 earning praise from fans and officials alike, Muchiri is clearly setting the pace not just for his teammates, but for the next level Ulinzi Stars wants to reach.