This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
Kenyan international Paul Were has been on a journey of self-discovery, playing for nine clubs in almost a decade. His breakthrough came in 2010 while playing for Tusker FC, a former Kenyan Premier League champion.
However, Were's career has been marked by frequent changes in clubs, with him rejoining AFC Leopards late last year only to leave for Greece to join third-tier side Egalao 1931.
Despite his undoubted potential and talent, Were admits to being unlucky not to settle at one club and make a name for himself in Europe. He attributes his career's twists and turns to a combination of factors, including injuries, coaching changes, and the role of agents in a player's career.
"I might have made some wrong moves in my career, but that is how life is - you make mistakes, but the most important thing is to pick the lessons going forward," Were said.
Were, who started his career at Young Spiders FC before joining FISA Academy and later Mathare Youth, credits former Gor Mahia winger Ibrahim Kitawi, Musa Mohammed, Patrick Oboya, and Kevin "Ade" Omondi for inspiring him during his formative years.
At 26, Were remains hopeful of getting back to action and scaling up his career. He is currently training from home, trying to stay safe during the pandemic.
