PETALING JAYA: At 38, Tchetche Kipre may be regarded as a veteran nearing the twilight of his career, but the Penang striker insists age has never been an issue since he arrived in Malaysia as a 30-year-old to join Terengganu in 2017.
Now leading the line for Penang, Kipre said he continues to thrive simply because he feels good physically and mentally.
“No one has spoken to me directly about my age,” he said.
“Even when you are young, you can’t please everyone, some appreciate you, and some do not. I came here to help the team and give my best. I’m here to fight and show the way for the younger players.
“I want to provide motivation and leadership. To be honest, I don’t care what people outside are saying.”
Whether deployed as a starter or coming off the bench, Kipre has embraced his role with the Panthers.
He has contributed seven goals and two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.
Despite the arrival of Brazilian forward Douglas Coutinho, Kipre remains a key figure in the squad. Penang currently sit sixth in the league with 18 points from 16 matches.
Beyond his statistics, his experience, especially during his time in Malaysia where he played for sides like Kedah, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching City, Kipre has taken it upon himself to mentor the club’s young attackers, including Alif Ikmalrizal Anuar.
“I always advise the younger players to stay calm. For example, Abe (Alif) has power and strength, but he needs to be calmer in front of goal,” he said.
“As a striker, you must be patient. You don’t have to finish every action frantically. Don’t rush or just run blindly. If you perform well and work hard, the goals will come. He is a good, respectful boy who is willing to learn and always listens. If he keeps working hard, he has a very bright future.”
