Kenya U18 captain Amos Wanjala revels in unforgettable debut against Barcelona

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FOOTBALL Kenya U18 captain Amos Wanjala revels in unforgettable debut against Barcelona

Mark Kinyanjui 07:00 - 14.03.2024

The immediate former Junior Stars captain made his debut for Gimnastic Tarragona U19s against Barcelona shortly after signing professional terms.

Amos Wanjala has opened up on his unforgettable debut for Gimnàstic Tarragona after signing professional terms with the club just five months after moving to Spain from St.Anthony’s Boys, Kitale.

Wanjala guided his school football team famously known as “Solidarity Boys” to the national title in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) games which were held at Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium in August 2023.

This earned him a move to the Nastic Soccer Academy alongside fellow teammates Alvin Kasavuli and Aldrine Kibet.

A few months later, the 17-year-old was influential in Junior Stars’ good run in the CECAFA Under18 Championships, helping the team reach the final where they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by East African football powerhouse, Uganda.

He continued his rise, and in January, signed professional terms with the club after passing the academy trials with flying colours. He made his debut as a substitute as Gimnastic lost 4-2 to Barcelona's junior side, but it was an unforgettable experience he will forever hold dear.

“It was a big game and (my) debut here,” Wanjala said

“I was quite tense because it was my first game for Gimnastic, and it was a big game.

“I really wanted to play in that team but we lost. I would say it is a good team, Barcelona. They gave us a hell of a time.”

Wanjala has been earmarked to be a star for years to come, and those with a keen interest in Kenyan football are hopeful he will be part of the team that will represent Harambee Stars at the home 2027 AFCON.

“Me and my colleagues are not focused on 2027. We focus on tomorrow, day by day, bit by bit. When 2027 comes, I am sure we will be good and ready for it.”

Wanjala has thanked the coaching staff at the club for helping him improve certain aspects of his game that he used to aid Kenya make the finals of the CECAFA U18 last December.

“My coach was a former Barcelona player and a defender. He has really taught me a lot on some defensive skills, so when I returned to Kenya (for the U18 CECAFA Championship), I was quite good.”

Despite earning celebrity status in Kenya, Wanjala remains rooted to the ground, thanking his mother for instilling core values into his upbringing.

“How can I put it? Just a good background where my mom teaches me to be good, do good, work hard, fight, there is always tomorrow. If you fail, it is not the end of the journey.”

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