Nairobi United captain Daniel Bichiok has expressed confidence ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup Second Preliminary Round first leg encounter against Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel set for Sunday, October 19 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex from 3 PM.
Speaking to SportPesa Blog, the youthful skipper said the team is fully prepared to face the challenge and is motivated to make history.
“This game means a lot to us because we know the eyes that will be watching this top African competition,” Bichiok said.
“It is a big chance for us to make Nairobi United known, to put our name on the African football map and to showcase our talents. If the team succeeds, we all succeed as players,” he said.
Nairobi United brace for Tunisian test
The Kakuma-born defender, who is also the captain of South Sudan’s U18 and U20 national teams, believes Nairobi United’s rise from Kenya’s second tier to the continental stage is proof of their hard work, unity and resilience and that could also play a big role for them in the game.
“We know it will not be an easy game because Etoile du Sahel have the experience and pedigree at this level while we are just making our debut. But we have prepared well, with the same zeal that led us in the Cup games until we got to this level.
It’s the same zeal we are going with in this game and we are focused. We want to give everything on Sunday and make the country proud,” he noted.
At just 18 years old, Bichiok is the youngest captain in both the SportPesa League and the CAF Confederation Cup. His composure and leadership qualities have earned him trust from his teammates and technical bench.
“It feels good to be the captain and I thank the coach and my teammates alongside the entire technical bench for trusting me with this responsibility. Not many instances you will get a captain at my age for a senior side, so it is a big honor for me.
Being captain is not just about wearing the armband; it’s about leading by example and keeping the team together. For me, it’s a proud moment and a big motivation,” he said.
With the match expected to be played behind closed doors, the highly rated player says the absence of fans won’t affect their focus or motivation, recalling how they stunned Gor Mahia at the same venue in the 2025 FKF Cup final to secure qualification for the Confederation Cup.
“Being that we are now representing the nation we expected a good number of fans to show up but with the circumstances that we are currently in, we have to understand but that won’t change anything.
That’s the same pitch we beat Gor Mahia in front of their supporters. Whether fans are present or not, our focus remains the same and I’m confident that many will be cheering us on while watching at home. Knowing what’s at stake, a win here will be a big boost going into the return leg away,” he said.
Bichiok and his teammates, who eliminated Uganda’s NEC FC in the First Preliminary Round, will now aim to use home advantage to gain a positive result before traveling to Tunisia for the return leg.