"Dream come true" : Wilson delights in maiden Harambee Stars call-up

A chance to not only don the national team colors but to be called up to the fold, was one that to his admission, young FKF Premier League sensation Stanley Wilson didn't expect at the end of last week.

The picture of the Kariobangi Sharks midfielder taking his reps at the start of the Harambee Stars camp at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday 4 September elicited some surprise to keen football followers, as he wasn't part of the names included in coach Engin Firat's initial squad for the upcoming pair of friendlies against Qatar and South Sudan scheduled for 7 and 12 September respectively.

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"This is a dream come true," a delighted Wilson - seated alongside Firat - said on Monday. "As a young player, you grow up having many ambitions and targets to achieve, and this is one."

He continued, "I surely didn't expect it, but I see why. Congratulations to myself for the hardwork I have put in over the years to be here, because I believe that I am the best of the best."

The decision to include him in the national team set-up, as per Firat, was one that came after a period of close monitoring, led by his assistant- William Muluya- who is also the coach of Kariobangi Sharks.

"We started to take notice of him since high-school," Firat mentioned, adding that his addition was not just out of luck. "Watching him, he is just an extraordinary talent. I was really surprised with how he adapts to different situations on the field, and I understand there are some levels that he needs to get to as he ascends. This is just one step to his bright future."

Coincidentally, Firat admitted to being 'in awe' of his exploits against Kenya Police in the opening game of the FKF Premier League season, and was also at the Ruaraka grounds last Saturday, as Wilson's Sharks played hosts Tusker to a 1-1 draw.

"Its such an honor to be in this position where I get to represent the country," Wilson added, mentioning that his dad, Jack Omondi, who played for the national team in the past, was a major motivation for him in playing football.

"To match what he did gives so much pride," he said. 

Asked about how the feeling was for him as the youngest squad member in the team, the man who grew up idolising Victor Wanyama said: "Relatively relaxed and easy. Bar the obvious age gap that separates us, I have had such a warm welcome to the camp. Everyone there is nice and made me feel part of the squad and adapt smoothly."

On his part, team captain Michael Olunga was delighted with the new young faces in the camp, mentioning that Wilson's path, to some extent, mirrored his journey to the national set-up.

"Being in that situation before, I can guess how exciting it is because they are now getting a new platform, on merit, to announce themselves on the biggest stage," Olunga said. "From here on, the onus is on the player to keep working because its just the beginning. Impressed by him (Wilson) and even Moses Shummah. Keep working and take advantage of the platform."

It is expected that Wilson, who only has two FKF Premier League games under his belt, will travel with the team, with a start offering another feat on a budding talent.