Seasoned midfield dynamo Kenneth Muguna reckons he’s still got fire in the tank to weave the magic Kenya desperately needs to assert authority on the international stage.
The 29-year-old who joined Botswana Premier League giants Township Rollers in August as a free agent on a two-year deal from Kenya Police FC, insists he has the stamina, courage, and firepower to help Kenya bounce back from their heavy 8-0 defeat to Senegal in Antalya, Turkey last Tuesday
“I’ve got legs, I’ve got heart, I’ve got plenty left for Kenya,” Muguna said in an interview. “Age is just a number. I’m ready.”
Weighing in on Kenya’s humiliating loss to the Lions of Teranga, Muguna slammed the squad selection and called out the nation’s reliance on inexperienced players.
“Life is a process. I’ll always tell the truth, even if it’s not popular,” he said. “You need experienced players. Coach Benni’s been saying it for a reason. I’ve seen it since I was a kid—it still holds true.”
The midfielder was blunt about why Kenya got hammered.
“I will never be afraid to speak,” he said. “After Gambia, fans questioned the inclusion of veterans. Now you see why experience matters. Talent alone isn’t enough.”
He warned that young players, however gifted, lack the leadership and composure to face continental heavyweights.
“You need players who know pressure,” he said. “Otherwise, you risk humiliation—just like Antalya.”
The midfielder says his goal is to help Rollers reclaim the Premier League crown after coming up short over the past five seasons.
“I’ve been following Rollers since around 2016 and I know this club inside out. They have the richest history in Botswana football, but success has eluded them in recent years. My aim is to help the team lift the league this season. It would be incredible for the club and the fans if we make it happen,” Muguna said.
Born January 6, 1996, Muguna has played at the top level in Kenya and abroad. He currently anchors Kenya Police FC and has represented Harambee Stars in friendlies and competitive matches, including the 2019 CECAFA Cup.
At club level, he’s won the Albanian First Division with KF Tirana and lifted the Kenya Premier League with Gor Mahia. His versatility and consistency make him a key voice in squad debates.
The 8-0 loss exposed more than just tactics. Minimal prep time, last-minute fixture changes, and few seasoned players meant Kenya were underpowered.
“Preparation is everything,” Muguna said. “You can’t face a team like Senegal without leadership, experience, and a plan. Youth alone won’t cut it.”
He also stressed shared responsibility. “Fans, coaches, players—we all must get it right. Otherwise, results like this keep coming.”
Ignoring experience comes at a price.
“Talent alone doesn’t win games,” Muguna said. “Experience, preparation, leadership—that’s what turns talent into results. We have to learn from Antalya. Or we’ll pay again.”
Despite the drubbing, Muguna remains upbeat.
“We have gifted players, but they need guidance,” he said. “Experience on the pitch, prep off it—that’s how we get competitive again.”
He wants FKF and fans to take notice. Proper planning, squad balance, and leadership can save Harambee Stars from future embarrassment and restore respect on the African stage.
by TONY MBALLA
