KSSSA: How training with FKF Premier League clubs sharpened South Sudanese midfielder

Chuol has previously trained with then FKF Premier League side FC Talanta, and has also attracted interest from 2024/2025 league champions Kenya Police.

Away from school football, he features for UEFA Despanol SC in the FKF Nairobi East Regional League, where he currently leads the club’s scoring charts with 10 goals, six more than his closest challenger Samuel Odhiambo.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport after inspiring Highway Secondary School to end St Mary’s School Yala’s unbeaten run at the ongoing KSSSA National Games, Chuol said the intensity of senior football forced him to improve every aspect of his game.

“The Premier League environment changed my mentality. At that level there is no room for mistakes because every chance matters,” Chuol told Mozzart Sport.

“If you get an opportunity, you have to take it. If you don’t, the other team punishes you. It is the same with defenders. The moment they switch off, even for a second, that is when you attack.“

Those lessons have become evident in his performances in Thika.

The lanky midfielder has been one of Highway’s standout players, covering every blade of grass, tracking back to help his defenders before driving forward to launch attacks.

His ability to shield the ball under pressure and glide past opponents has made him one of the tournament’s most difficult players to dispossess.

Chuol attributes those qualities to the confidence instilled in him by his coaches.

“Confidence changes everything. Once you believe in yourself, you stop fearing your opponents,” he explained.

“My coaches have trusted me and that has helped me become comfortable on the ball. When you have confidence, you can express yourself and make better decisions.”

The midfielder also reserved special praise for former Highway coaches Bernard Kawinzi and Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba, saying the pair played a significant role in his development.

“I learnt a lot from coach Beldine and coach Kawinzi. They taught me the importance of discipline, positioning and making the right decisions in matches.”

“I still carry the lessons they gave me every time I step onto the pitch.”

Odemba and Kawinzi guided Highway to the 2024 KSSSA national title before leading the school to the East Africa Games the following year.