Wilson Waweru
Wilson Waweru (born 27 December 2000) is an Irish footballer who plays as a forward for Sligo Rovers.
Early life
Waweru was born on 12 December 2000 in Galway, Ireland. Born to Kenyan parents, he grew up in Galway, Ireland.[1] He is of Kenyan descent.[2]
Career
As a youth player, Waweru joined the youth academy of Galway United and was promoted to the club's senior team, debuting at the age of seventeen[3] and helping them achieve second place in the league.[4]
In 2023, he was loaned out to League of Ireland First Division club Cobh Ramblers, where he made thirty-three league appearances and scored thirteen goals and helped the club win the 2023 Munster Senior Cup. Ahead of the 2024 season, he signed for League of Ireland Premier Division side Sligo Rovers. On 24 February 2024, he debuted for the club during a 0–0 draw with Derry City in the league.[4]
Style of play
Waweru plays as a forward and is right-footed. Known for his speed and strength, he can also play as a winger.[5]
Career statistics
- As of match played on 5 May 2025[6]
| Club | Season | League | National Cup[a] | League Cup[b] | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Galway United | 2018 | LOI First Division | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 5 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 16 | 2 | |||
| 2020 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2[c] | 1 | 13 | 4 | ||
| 2021 | 24 | 8 | 1 | 0 | — | 2[d] | 0 | 27 | 8 | |||
| 2022 | 29 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — | 0[e] | 0 | 30 | 4 | |||
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Total | 81 | 16 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 91 | 18 | ||
| Cobh Ramblers (loan) | 2023 | LOI First Division | 30 | 13 | 1 | 0 | — | 5[f] | 2 | 36 | 15 | |
| Sligo Rovers | 2024 | LOI Premier Division | 28 | 7 | 2 | 3 | — | — | 30 | 10 | ||
| 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 29 | 7 | 2 | 3 | — | — | 31 | 10 | ||||
| Career Total | 140 | 36 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 3 | 158 | 43 | ||
- ^ Includes FAI Cup
- ^ Includes League of Ireland Cup
- ^ Appearances in the 2020 League of Ireland First Division Promotion Playoffs
- ^ Appearances in the 2021 League of Ireland First Division Promotion Playoffs
- ^ Appearances in the 2022 League of Ireland First Division Promotion Playoffs
- ^ 3 appearances in the 2023 League of Ireland First Division Promotion Playoffs; 2 appearances, 2 goals in the Munster Senior Cup
References
- ^ "John Russell says new Sligo Rovers striker Wilson Waweru has the 'X-Factor'". Irish Independent. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
- ^ Sports, Pulse (March 30, 2024). "Harambee Stars prospect Wilson Waweru opens up on life playing in Irish top flight". Pulse Sports Kenya.
- ^ "Ireland-based Kenyan striker eyes Harambee Stars call up". Mozzart Sport. 10 September 2021.
- ^ a b Wilson Waweru at Soccerway
- ^ "Harambee Stars prospect Wilson Waweru opens up on life playing in Irish top flight". Pulse Sports Kenya. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
- ^ "Republic of Ireland - W. Waweru - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.