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Wanjau-Smith, who has previously declared he would like to represent Harambee Stars in future, left suprise FA Cup fifth round finishers Maidstone United to join Bath City.
Harambee Stars prospect Solomon Wanjau-Smith has revealed the reasons behind his decision to join Bath City following his departure from FA Cup giant-killers Maidstone United at the end of the season.
Wanjau-Smith, a striker who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, has been a valuable asset to every team he has played for when fit.
The former youth prospect for Bristol Rovers and Southampton has primarily played in the fifth and sixth tiers of English football but aims to break into the English Football League system soon.
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09:17 - 31.12.2023
FEATURE Solomon Wanjau-Smith: English-born Kenyan striker who hopes to make it big through an unconventional path
Inspired by his father's Kenyan roots, Solomon Wanjau-Smith has gone from helping minnows Maidstone to FA Cup heroics and now dreams of playing for Harambee Stars
Last season, Wanjau-Smith scored four goals in 27 league appearances for Maidstone United, who defied the odds by reaching the Fifth Round of the FA Cup before being defeated 5-0 by Coventry City.
Unfortunately, a foot injury sustained against Stevenage sidelined him for the Fourth Round match against newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town, as well as the Coventry affair.
In an interview on Bath City's YouTube channel following his unveiling earlier this month, Wanjau-Smith credited manager Jerry Gill for playing a significant role in his decision to switch clubs.
“When I was playing for Hungerford, Jerry was trying to get me to come to Bath and it is quite local for me because I am from North Somerset,” the 24-year-old striker revealed.
“As soon as Jerry saw the retained and released list, he just said, look, we have been trying to get you down for a long time and think now is the right time to get you. I think this is probably the right time to come here. I need to play consistently. Having played here before, the players, the fans, and everything really appealed to me, so I cannot wait to get started.”
Wanjau-Smith expressed his excitement about returning to familiar territory, believing it will help him settle quickly and contribute to Bath City's objective of earning promotion to the Vanarama National League, the fifth tier of English football.
Reflecting on his living situation, he shared, “I was actually living with the kitman in his spare room. The first year I moved there because I signed a two-year deal, I was living in a shared house with eight other people which is a bit interesting, especially first time moving away.
“ It was kind of like being in Uni. Did that and then this season, I was living with the kitman which is a lot more comfortable. I do not think my mom is too happy with me returning back home and expecting to do all my washing and all my cooking and cleaning and everything.
“I have been winding her a little bit and I think she wants me out straight away, but she is happy to have me home and I am looking forward to being back in the South West.”
Wanjau-Smith's return to the South West and Bath City marks a new chapter in his career, one where he hopes to achieve consistency, fitness, and ultimately, help his new club achieve their promotion ambitions.
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