Nairobi United defender reveals efforts made to earn his first Harambee Stars call-up

Nairobi United left back Kevin Otiende has opened up on the behind-the-scenes efforts that saw Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy hand him his maiden call-up.

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The former Rainbow FC defender has been a sensation for Naibois, and for his troubles, caught the eye of the Kenya senior men's national football team head coach, Benni McCarthy, who handed him a call-up.

McCarthy was scouting for left-backs following injuries to Polish-based Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma and Otiende’s teammate Manzur Okwaro, as well as the absence of Abud Omar.

Speaking to the press after Naibois’ win over Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday, 8 November, Otiende took time to share the journey to earning the call-up.

“It (the call-up) has largely been about working hard, putting extra work on my own after the usual team training, and God’s timing made it happen,” said Otiende.

The defender also explained why the call-up is so special and gives him much delight.

“It is a great feeling and I am so happy about it. It looked like a dream to me because I have never been called up to the junior levels of the national team, and so to receive a call-up to the senior team is humbling,” he added.

The versatile defender is now focused on working hard to remain in McCarthy's plans while also expressing delight in linking up with former Rainbow FC teammate Ryan Wesley Ogam.

“It feels great to be reunited with Ryan Ogam, and I would just say it’s God’s timing and hard work,” he added.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)

Defenders: Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Etoile Du Sahel), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Kevin Otiende (Nairobi United), Baron Ochieng (Zamalek), Bryton Onyona (Gor Mahia)

Midfielders: Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC)

Attackers: Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Ovellah Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (ST Mirren), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki), Sharif Musa (Gor Mahia)