Sydney Lokale announced himself on the big stage when he came off the bench to score the goal that gave Kariobangi Sharks a 1-0 win over Gor Mahia and the 2018/2019 Kenyan Premier League Super Cup at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The 19-year-old forward has built a reputation as an impact substitute, and his winner against Gor came only minutes after he replaced Fidel Origa. He also scored for Emerging Stars in a 5-0 victory over Mauritius Under-23 and found the net after being introduced in the SportPesa Shield final against Sofapaka in October.
Lokale was born on September 19, 1999 in Lodwar and grew up in Nakuru, where he attended Flamingo Secondary School. His talent was first identified by Nakuru AllStars before he joined Kariobangi Sharks in December on a four-year contract.
He combines pace, strength in the air and close control, qualities he used well against Gor when he beat Ernest Wendo and Joash Onyango before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner from outside the box.
His progress has also reached the national youth set-up. This year he made his debut for Kenya Under-20 as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda on April 1, then appeared for Kenya Under-23 against Mauritius last month.
Lokale has set himself a target of 28 goals in all competitions this season. “I believe I can set a record if I work hard and deliver whenever given a chance,” he said on Sunday.
