Midfielder Alpha Onyango has backed Harambee Stars to reach the final of the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.
The midfielder is confident that Kenya’s domestic players will impress at the continental tournament, which will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
“We could make it to the championship game. This nation has a wealth of talent, and the players in our top division have proven themselves. I think they can handle the challenge,” he said.
Onyango’s rise to prominence has not been without its challenges. Emerging from the competitive landscape of Kenyan football, he honed his skills in the local leagues before making a name for himself with Gor Mahia, one of the most prestigious clubs in Kenya.
His blistering form this season, which saw him contribute significantly to the club’s second-place finish in the Kenyan Premier League and net three goals to propel Gor Mahia to the FKF Cup final, underscores his significance in Kenya’s hunt for CHAN glory.
His talent has shone through, earning him recognition not only at the club level but also on the national stage.
The culmination of his efforts came with his recent call-up to Harambee Stars, where he was entrusted with the captain’s armband by head coach Benni McCarthy—a significant milestone in his career.
Onyango characterised his recent call-up and captaincy as a significant personal milestone, having previously struggled to make an impact on the national team.
“To represent my country once more was an honour. The fact that many players never get that opportunity is something I do not take for granted. I give thanks to God for this chance,” he said.
The weight of the captaincy is not lost on Onyango. He acknowledges the pressure that comes with wearing the national colours, yet he embraces it with open arms.
“I am prepared to assist my team, and I will always be ready when called upon,” he said.
He thanked McCarthy for the armband in an international friendly match against Chad in Morocco.
It’s the match where the South African coach mastered his first win (2-1) with the Stars.
“That was a unique moment. This coach has only recently begun working here; he has not even had a chance to familiarise himself with our streets, but he trusted me to lead his team,” observed Onyango. “That is very important to me.”
by TONY MBALLA
