Kenyan defender Nabilai Kibunguchy has expressed his delight after being handed his very first appearance in the top tier Major League Soccer (MLS) this past weekend against Houston Dynamo.On Sunday morning, the 24-year-old played the entire match as he was named in the Minnesota United starting squad that picked up a 1-2 away victory in the encounter staged at the PNC Stadium with Franco Fragapane and South Africa’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane getting the two goals that sealed all three points.we got a debut, y’all pic.twitter.com/V8rJk2QFIW— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 24, 2022 Following that maiden feature, the defender, who was born in the United States of America but whose hometown is in Webuye, Bungoma County, could not hide his joy at featuring in the top flight.“I feel very blessed to have made my MLS debut yesterday and most importantly the 3 points in a great team effort! Onwards from here! #KeepItPushin’,” the player posted on his social media platform. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nabi 🇰🇪 (@nabi__kibunguchy18) Prior to making his first start of the season, the defender had spent last season with Minnesota United II which is the reserve team of the senior Minnesota United side. The team featured in the MLS Next Pro League which comprises of upto 20 reserve sides and is considered as part of the third tier of the United States soccer league system.The first start for Kibunguchy came on the back of a brilliant performance in a friendly fixture against English Premier League side Everton where the youngster attracted praise from his head coach Adrian Heath who mentioned him alongside a couple of other players after their stunning 4-0 win against Everton.“I thought they were really good. They put a lot of effort, a lot of energy. The players, all of them came on and did a really good shift. I was pleased for Abu [Danladi] to get a goal. I was really pleased with some of the younger ones. I thought Nabi [Nabilai Kibunguchy] did well. Saw some good stuff,” the head coach said.
