Spanish-based Amos Wanjala explains reason behind Harambee Stars no show

16th March 2024 - by Luttah Njomo

The former Kenya U18 captain was handed a callup to the U20 side but will not honor the invite.

Amos Wanjala presenting the CECAFA U15 trophy. Photo/Courtesy

SUMMARY

Amos Wanjala was among the headline names called up to the Kenya U20 squad for the upcoming four-nations tournament in Malawi.
He captained Kenya to the CECAFA U18 Championship final where Kenya lost to Uganda.

Kenya’s highly rated defender Amos Wanjala will not be part of the Kenya U20 national team that will take part in the four-nations tournament set for Malawi from 18-26 March.

Speaking to a section of the press on phone, Wanjala, who is currently based in Spain, explained that he will miss the outing with the Kenya Under-20 team due to club commitment.

The former St Anthony Boys skipper pointed out that he had become an integral part of the Gimnastic de Tarragona U19 team which is fighting to secure a promotion to La Liga 2.

Wanjala, the immediate former Harambee Stars U18 captain, noted that the Spanish club is currently among the top three positions and they have a golden chance of gaining promotion if they finish either first or second.

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"I will not make it to the national assignment because the professional academy that I signed up for is currently in position three and only positions one and two get to proceed to another level," he stated.

"If we lose even one game then that will wrap up our season and at the moment we only have nine games remaining. The team really requires my services because we must fight for the top two positions," Wanjala explained.

He however appealed to his Kenyan fans to continue supporting his talent promising to help the team grow with the experience earned in Spain.

Moreover, Wanjala noted that the caliber of players called in the team by head coach Salim Babu are more than capable of winning the four nations tournament in Malawi.

So far, Wanjala has played against Barcelona where his side Tarragona U19 lost 4-2. He however relished the experience noting that it was step towards the right direction in his professional football career.

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“It was a big game and it was my debut here. I was quite tense because it was my first game for Tarragona and I was playing a big game against Barcelona.

The experience of brushing shoulders with Barcelona players was really good, a surreal experience. Though we lost 4-2 it was an eye-opener,” he said in an interview with Citizen.

The Under 20 Camp

With Amos Wanjala expected to miss the tournament, Aldrine Kibet is expected to light up the tournament. Kibet was one of the stars during the 2023 national school games championships and the CECAFA Junior tournament.

Kibet will team up with other local players named in the provisional squad by coach Babu who include Gor Mahia duo of Paul Ochuoga and Mark Shaban, Ulinzi Stars’ Lucas Maina and Kakamega Homeboyz’ shot-stopper Ibrahim Wanzala who won the Golden Glove in the CECAFA U18 tourney.

However, Salim Babu will release the final traveling squad before the team's departure to Malawi.

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Provisional Squad unveiled by Salim Babu

Goalkeepers

Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Issa Emuria (Ulinzi Stars), Junior Odhiambo (Migori Youth), Joshua Keya (Rainbow), Kevin Alloys (Mathare United).

Defenders

Joseph Bate (MOFA), Nesta Olum (AFC Leopards), Sigmun Maina (Kariobangi Sharks), Junior Masinza (Kakamega Homeboyz), Francis Kamau (Bidco United), Fidel Otieno (Mathare United), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Faiz Opande (Elite Falcon, Dubai), Daniel Odhiambo (Mombasa Elite), Grant Odiero (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy), Mansur Okwaro (Unattached), Collins Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka).

Defenders

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Midfielders

Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports Academy), Linus Munyao (Rainbow), Hamisi Otieno (Homabay), Lucas Maina (Ulinzi Stars), Benard Ouma (Nairobi United FC), Ryan Wesley (Rainbow), Stanley Wilson (AIK, Sweden), Kevin Wangaya (Apollonia FC, Albania), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Brian Kamau (Rainbow), Elly Owade (Migori Youth), Andreas Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks), Zechariah Obiero (Leyton Onorient FC).

Forwards

Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Christopher Koloti (AFC Leopards), Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), Brian Mboya (Bidco United), Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Umar Rajab (Apollonia FC, Albania), James Gachago (St Andrew’s United), Clinton Asiago (Bidco United), Louis Ingavi (Montvarde Academy, USA), Syphas Otieno (MOFA), Tyron Kariuki (Rainbow), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars)

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