B. OdhiamboHanif Wesonga chuffed with dream Harambee Stars call-up
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 11.11.23. | 12:05
The 20-year-old scoring defender was among the four players handed their first ever call ups
Kenya Commercial Bank Football Club (KCB) fast-rising defender Hanif Wesonga is reveling in joy after earning his first call-up to the national team ahead of Gabon and Seychelles matches in the World Cup qualifiers later this month.
The 20-year-old scoring defender was among the four players handed their first ever call ups among them; Gor Mahia’s Geoffrey Ochieng, Nabi Kibunguchy of Orlando City B, and Murang’a Seal midfielder Eric Balecho following impressive performances in the month of October.
Wesonga, who missed part of last season due to an injury, recovered on time to take the league by storm this term, scoring three times, and is anticipated to bring a burst of fresh energy and technicality to the national team ahead of the crucial fixtures.
The player who two years ago was jostling in the Kakamega County League with Samitsi FC could not hide his excitement at making the 28-man provisional squad as he termed it a dream come true and a perfect opportunity to scale his fast-rising career to new levels.
“I am happy for the call-up, it came as a surprise and I am ready to show it out there that I deserved to be on the list. It is a dream come true because every footballer is always dreaming about putting on the national colors at one point in his career so I won’t take it for granted,” offered Wesonga.
In the camp, Wesonga joins a group of seasoned players with experience from plying trade abroad and with numerous caps to their names, a chance Wesonga views as a perfect opportunity to learn from the best and in the process hone his skills in readiness to defend the country as well as grow as a player.
“This is an optimal opportunity to represent my country, and I'm thankful to the technical bench for the call-up. I commit to delivering my best and also learn from the best in order to develop more as a player,” an enthusiastic Wesonga noted.
The promising footballer sees this as a significant milestone, crucial for boosting his confidence and aiding in realizing his dreams of turning pro with the defender a long-time admirer of English football.
“Being part of the national team is a huge milestone and a big platform, it enhances my morale as a player and furthering my ambitions. With a target to play in Europe, this experience is invaluable in my professional journey,” he added.
The ambitious defender was quick to anticipate his debut in Harambee Stars with a keen eye to impress Engin Firat in training sessions and hopefully making it to the final list set to leave the country next week for Gabon.
“As soon as we hit the camp, there is no resting, my aim is to make it to the final squad in Gabon and make my debut if possible,” he concluded.
Harambee Stars will first play against Gabon on Thursday, November 16, 2023, in Franceville, and then against the Seychelles on Monday, November 20, 2023, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Full squad
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Ian Otieno (Zesco), Joseph Ochuka (Bandari)
Defenders
Nabi Kibunguchy (Orlando City), Hanif Wesonga (KCB), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Eric Ouma (AIK), Joseph Okumu (Reims), Johnstone Omurwa (CF Estrela), and Amos Nondi (Ararat)
Midfielders
Duncan Otieno (Gaborone United), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Duke Abuya (Singida), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Eric Balecho (Murang Seal), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Eric Johanna (UTA ARAD), Richard Odada (Aalborg), Alfred Scriven (Hodd), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg)
Forwards
Masud Juma (Al Faisaly), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia).
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