US based Kenyan midfielder Philip Mayaka has opened up on who he received his maiden Harambee Stars call up and starting from humble beginnings. Mayaka’s inclusion into the National Team raised eyebrows from a number of Kenyans largely due to playing for Colorado Springs in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship.The diminutive midfielder revealed that he first learned of his call up from his former principal at St.Anthony’s Kitale High School which left him dumbfounded.🎥|A message from @philipmayaka ahead of our #Qatar2022 Qualifers matches against Mali on 7th and 10th October in Morocco and Nairobi respectively.#Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/FJd4s1Y9KA— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 3, 2021 “When I first got a call, I was surprised because I was in the USL and I did not think I could get a call while playing for a USL team,””It was my former Principal Cosmas Nabungolo who called me and he said there’s someone who wanted to talk to you from the National Team and you have been selected so whenever they give you a call just talk to them and let them know what you think,” said Mayaka.Mayaka termed the call up as a milestone in his career with his family also impressed by the inclusion into the squad with the games being 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The 20-year-old also opened up on the humble background that he grew up in with his dad having to balance between two menial jobs to cater for the family. Congratulations, @philipmayaka! 👏🇰🇪 https://t.co/UqhEPQlepN— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) September 29, 2021 “I get encouraged by my family because my dad used to work twice, we would go to the Mjengo in the morning and at night he would be a watchman. He didn’t get that much time to see us because of the two jobs but that pushes me because if he did it I can do it,””It’s now time to get him a rest and the only way I’ll get him a rest is by providing for the family and the more I provide for my family the more it encourages me and pushes me harder,” added Mayaka.
