Precaution: Two Police players try to cordon off KL dangerman Tchetche Kipre (No. 23) in a Super League match. — Pic by KL FC
PETALING JAYA: It’s good to see that Tchetche Kipre hasn’t lost his touch.
Due to his age, the 35-year-old has always been seen as a back-up to other strikers in the Super League in the past two years, but the Ivorian always finds a way to gain the confidence of coaches to start games often.
Initially, he did not start the first three games with Kuala Lumpur as Brazilian striker Herlison Caion was preferred as the lone man upfront.
But in the last five matches, Kipre was put into the limelight and he repaid coach Bojan Hodak’s faith in him by scoring three goals and assisting one.
Caion has scored one and assisted two so far in the league.
Last season, Kipre was signed by Terengganu to play back-up to Kpah Sherman, but he upstaged the Liberian by scoring 19 goals in 24 matches in all competitions, while Sherman had 13 goals in 22 games.
Kipre believes hard work in training will always be rewarded with first-team opportunities.
“I’m always hungry to help the sides I play for. When you compete and give your best, the coach will have lots of confidence to play you,” said Kipre.
“I do not feel my age at all. I rely on my experience.
“I know when to finish, how to finish and when to make a pass. So I’m much calmer and more confident. And I do not remind myself of my age.
“To be at this level, rest and recovery is important.
“But I don’t feel bad if they treat me as a back-up first instead of a starter.
“I take it as a challenge to prove to them that I’m worthy of starting.
“Kuala Lumpur did not have the best of starts, but they have steadied themselves the past few weeks. We are on a five-game winning streak in all competitions, which is good.”
The City Boys are sixth in the league with 15 points from nine matches and have qualified for the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Sabah on May 27 at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu.
Kipre hopes to increase his goal tally.
“It could have been more, but I’m adapting to Kuala Lumpur’s tactics.”
With such a vibe, Kuala Lumpur fans can look forward to more goals from Kipre, who is slowly etching his name as one of the top foreign players in the Malaysian League.
