If you've recently been following the Kenyan premier league talks and discussions on twitter, then there is a name obviously you haven't missed coming across. Lucas 'maish' Maina is the name, a boy made and groomed in the streets of Laini Saba, Kibera. The midfield maestro seems to have become a fans favorite since joining military side Ulinzi Stars Fc from Division one league side Kibera Soccer fc. In an exclusive virtual interview, Maish as he is commonly referred by friends and teammates describes his journey as magical considering he started his football career as a little boy playing street football in Kibra and currently plying his trade in top flight league in the country. A very staunch Westham united and Jack Wilshere fan, Maish opens up to being a people's person and a man of many names from Maish to Mbuyu to Choir master. He says he currently doesn't like to be called the latter, a name he got a while back at Kibera soccer as it is almost being forgotten. Maish who joined Ulinzi stars in April says that his team mate, Boniface Muchiri is that one guy that inspires him the most careerwise. "I have been a fan of Muchiri for a very long time and it's a lifetime opportunity that we currently share a dressing room. I really love how he plays, he plays magnificently like a real pro of the game," he said. He adds that former Nzoia, Gor Mahia and Sofapaka player Lawrence Juma who currently plays for AS Kigali in Rwanda is someone, he would like to share the pitch with some time to come. He also puts their forces derby match against Kenya Police fc in which they came from behind to seal a 1-1 draw earlier in May as his current favorite moment in the FKF Kenyan premier league. Maina who hasn't really already become a day-to-day starter for his new club has caught the attention of many in the few minutes he has played with his magic style of play in midfield. His assistant coach, Abdallah Mohammed earlier on during the season admitted that he is a player with a lot of potential but who must not be rushed if he has to realize his potential. "Maish is a good player with a lot potential, but we must not rush him at all even with a bright future ahead of him. If we rush him, we may end up regretting in the future as he receives lot of sticks for exposing his rawness. We cannot give him much responsibility right now." Abdallah Mohammed said after their 2-0 loss to Gor Mahia When he is not playing football, Maina says you'll find him doing community work at Coffee ministry organization in Kibera. "On the days am not on the pitch either training or match day, you will find me doing community work as a volunteer at Coffee ministry organization; an organization that primarily focuses into leading families especially children around Kibera towards growth and transformation in Christ through tooting, reaching, equipping and impacting their lives with the perfect love of Christ." he says. Maina who was part of the 2018 St Antony boys high school squad that were crowned champions of the Copa Coca Cola Africa Championship, has few words for young footballers in the country. "Keep grinding and stay focused on your goals and targets." He speaks. He signs off from the interview with a joke that I should also include him on the list of the young upcoming players he is speaking to.

*Images: Ulinzi stars, Lucas Maina