Enock Wanyama, a skilled attacking midfielder from Kenya, surprised many football enthusiasts when he completed his move to the relatively unknown Taiwanese Premier League side, Leopard Cat FC. Although there were expectations for him to join Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia, he opted to pursue professional football abroad.

Joining Leopard Cat alongside central defender Nicodemus Onyango, Wanyama later returned home in January to fulfill his dream of joining Gor. In contrast, Onyango continues to play in the Taiwanese league, which is not well known by Kenyans.

Several other Kenyan players, including David Owino, Erickson Mulu, Brian Mzee, and Muthoka Maingi, also traveled to Taiwan but faced challenges in obtaining clearance to play. Despite training in Taiwan for a month, Owino was immediately recalled by his employer, the National Police Service.

Onyango, speaking about the appeal of playing in Taiwan, cited the country’s strong football infrastructure and timely payment for players. Similarly, Mzee noted the quality training gear and excellent surfaces he experienced during his stay in Taiwan, expressing excitement to return for the new season in July.

Wanyama, reflecting on the lure of Taiwanese football, highlighted the appealing facilities and packages offered by the country’s top-tier clubs. While acknowledging that the league may not be as competitive as Kenya’s, he praised its rapid growth and the attractive features it offers to players.