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Were has revealed the real reason he has failed to get an opportunity to play at the biggest European leagues despite enjoying stints for various Greek clubs.
Ex Tusker, AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars winger Paul Were has expressed optimism that he can still play at the highest level of football in Europe.
The unpredictable left-footed dribbler, who is by now, a well traveled globe trotter, having played for teams across different parts of the globe, believes that he still has time to prove himself in a top five European League before his career winds up.
“I would say that I have been unlucky but I still have time,” Were said in an interview on the Jeff Kinyanjui’ Youtube channel.
Were last played for Rwanda's Rayon Sport, with whom he won the Peace Cup in June and is now a free agent.
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18:34 - 23.07.2023
STARS ABROAD Joseph Okumu's meteoric rise from rejection in South Africa, one-year sabbatical to France's Ligue 1
The 26-year-old Kenyan international has joined the Will Still-coached side from Gent on a five-year contract
Although he wowed fans with his trickery and speed on the ball, he has also attracted criticism for failing to have consistent end product, something he believes has hindered his ability to fulfill his dream of playing at the highest level.
At 29, time may be winding up for him to still establish himself as a top player, but he has rubbished talk of being ‘too old’ to achieve it.
“That is the mentality of Africa. Some players here in Kenya can play until they are 30 but you never know. One season, you may score goals and register a lot of assists and never know who is watching you.
“You make a deal and go to Egypt, Congo or South Africa and your life changes. You can even go to Europe and play for small teams in the second division or even the first division, but the teams you are paying for do not pay you enough money.
“You can reach 33,24 or 35, but a single deal can change your life. It is all about working hard and being focused. Never let anyone bring you down.”
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07:00 - 25.07.2023
STARS ABROAD: Metrics show why Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma could follow Joseph Okumu to a top European league
Ouma has been linked with moves to several European clubs, including Atalanta, Wolfsburd, Crystal Palace and an unnamed club in France.
Were started his career at Tusker before moving to AFC Leopards in 2013, after which he was able to seal a move to South African side Royal Amazulu, before commencing on a three-year stint in Greece for three different clubs.
He briefly returned to AFC Leopards, before returning to ply his trade for two more Greek clubs on one-year contracts.
“In Greece, most teams in the second division sign players on one-year contracts. That is why I have always been in Greece but playing for teams where I just signed for a year.”
Were has blamed his lack of opportunities to play at the highest level on failing to have a good agent, and his claims may probably be justified as fellow Kenyan international Jospeph Okumu has managed to play at the highest level in Europe thanks having a proper representation team.
“ I have been (un)lucky because I have never gotten a good agent, an agent that can touch you like this and push you to the next level. Sometimes everything is about statistics as well and maybe mine are not that good, maybe because I play in the third division.
“But maybe if someone can see my talent and is a good agent who can take me to a certain team, even if it is just for trials. I have never failed a trial. The first time Ieft Kenya, I went to South Africa for trials. No one knew I would sign there but because of my hard work, and push myself,( I signed for AmaZulu).
“We can go somewhere and enjoy (a good time) , but tomorrow when I get to work, I know this is where I am getting my meals, so I have to keep pushing. I am positive.”
Were is currently seeking greener pastures as a free agent, and will hope to earn a big breakthrough soon.
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09:42 - 02.08.2023
STARS ABROAD ‘Almost time’ - Olunga itching for new season’s start after positive outing for Al Duhail
The Harambee Stars captain got more minutes in the tank as Al Duhail recorded another pre-season victory in Austria.
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