PETALING JAYA: At 37, many footballers would consider winding down, reflecting on past glories.
But Tchetche Kipre is doing the opposite, still pushing, still learning, and still respecting the game and those around him.
The Ivorian striker is entering his ninth consecutive season in the Malaysian League, this time with Penang and insists that humility and a hunger to grow are keeping him going at the top level.
“I don’t have a secret,” said Kipre.
“It’s not easy at this age to reach this level, but I work hard and do my best. If there is one thing I believe in, it’s respect.
“I still want to learn from the young boys and always listen to what the coaches want. That’s what keeps me going.”
Kipre’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
From his early days at Ivorian side Jeunesse in 2008 to stints in Tanzania and Oman, his career took off in Malaysia when he joined Terengganu in 2017.
Since then, he’s become a feared figure in the Super League, with 151 appearances, 69 goals, and 33 assists to his name.
His ability to lead the line while elevating teammates with sharp movements and clever link-up plays has become his trademark.
Penang coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail has shown faith in the veteran, a belief Kipre is eager to repay.
“It is good with the team and coach Rohaimi. The city is amazing, and the training environment is great. The coach trusts me, and I have no complaints.”
Kipre is expected to be one of the four attacking players in the first-eleven for Penang next season, as he forms the striking force with Japanese-Brazilian attacker Bruno Suzuki.
On the flanks, the Panthers will have speedsters in the form of Australian Dylan Wenzel-Halls and Bosnian Danilo Sipovac.
“It’s about finding the chemistry early and try to achieve that in training,” he said.
“I’m aware not many foreigners stay in this league for so long. But the personal challenge for me is to show people that I can still play and perform in the Super League.”
With his trademark calmness in front of goal and relentless drive behind the scenes, don’t bet against Kipre making his mark once again.
