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Duke Abuya names young Harambee Stars duo destined for greatness
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 17.11.25. | 17:12
The 31-year-old got his debut for the national team in 2019, and on Friday was named as captain
Harambee Stars midfielder Duke Abuya has asked the new call-ups in the national team fold to keep up their strong showing, as he believes head coach Benni McCarthy has a big plan for them.
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Abuya, 31, is one of the most experienced players in the Harambee Stars camp, taking part in the November international friendly matches in Turkey.
Having made his international debut in 2019, the Young Africans midfielder wore the captain’s armband in Harambee Stars’ 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on Friday, 14 November, and has taken a role in welcoming new faces into the senior squad.
“We have young players who are very promising,” Abuya told FKF, name-checking youngsters Aldrine Kibet and Nairobi United left-back Kevin Otiende, who were all handed their debuts against the Nzalang Nacional. “He [Otiende] had a good game; he played the entire ninety minutes.”
The duo formed a group of young players that earned call-ups in the national team, accompanied by Gor Mahia left-back Bryton Onyona, Zamalek defender Baron Ochieng, and striker Lawrence Okoth.
Addressing the youngsters, Abuya said: “They should feel at home, and feel like it is a process to play for the national team. It can start slow, but the slower you start, the better it will be.
They are very promising, and I am sure if the coach has selected them, then he has plans with them.”
Much of McCarthy’s outlook in his current squad selection is to build a team that will stand in good stead come 2027, when Kenya will co-host the Africa Cup of Nations.
The idea also includes playing high-profile friendlies, including Tuesday’s fixture against former AFCON champions Senegal.
Previewing the game, Abuya said, “Considering they are the African champions, it will be a tight game; we will come in as underdogs.
It means a lot to be on the same pitch with guys like Sadio Mane; it gives us motivation to know that we can compete at the highest level possible.”
The match will kick off at 1800 EAT at the Mardan Stadium.
