Peter Kioso has credited teammate Siriki Dembele with helping him secure a starting role at Oxford United. The defender has started three of the club's five League One fixtures this season, with the Yellows winning all three of those games to sit sixth in the table on 10 points.
Kioso was thrust into the first-team picture after a temporary transfer embargo in July limited the club's options. The 27-year-old, who previously played for Luton Town and MK Dons, admitted there were times he thought his Oxford career might be over following a difficult previous season. He held honest talks with head coach Aaron Ramsey and focused on proving his worth.
"I haven’t started too bad," Kioso said. He pointed to the daily challenge of facing the squad's attacking talent as a major factor in his improvement.
"I do try and put myself against the best of the best and I’ve always said, Siriki Dembele, I feel like he’s one of the best wingers I’ve come up against in my professional career," Kioso stated. "So, even in training, trying to work against him just to get me ready for games has helped."
Dembele has been a constant threat, starting all five league games. He scored his first goal of the season in the 3-0 win over Burton Albion and provided an assist in the same match. The winger was also on the scoresheet in Oxford's most recent outing, a 1-1 draw with Cambridge United on Saturday.
Kioso believes he has more to give. "Defensively, I think I’ve done quite well," he added. "Like I said, I feel I have a lot more to give. I know that in myself."
The team's form has been strong, with recent results including a 4-0 win at Leicester and a 2-1 victory at Stevenage. Their next challenge is a trip to face bottom-placed Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, 26 September. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page and view the current standings.
Reflecting on his journey, Kioso said the opportunity came when the club could not sign players. "It was a case of just knuckling down and trying to prove to the manager that I can play," he explained. He described the previous season as tough, having been in and out of the team, but said the conversations with Ramsey were key. "We had honest conversations, and I think that's the best thing you can have with a manager," Kioso noted.
Regarding Dembele's influence, Kioso elaborated on the winger's unpredictable style. "He's so sharp, so direct, and he can go either way. Training against that every day, you have to be switched on." he said. The defender also mentioned that competing with other attackers in the squad has contributed to a competitive environment that benefits everyone.
Oxford's start to the season has been positive, and Kioso is focused on maintaining his place. "The team is doing well, and I just want to keep contributing," he said. The match against Doncaster presents another opportunity to build on their early season momentum.
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