Mathare United goalkeeper Kevin Masongo says he has picked up vital lessons during his time with the Kenya under 20 team in training.Masongo was released from the U20 squad on Wednesday as they prepare to compete in the four-nation tournament in Malawi starting from March 21st, 2024. He was among ten other rookies who were unable to participate due to a lack of a valid passport to facilitate their travels.##NAJAVA_MECA_7950836##The young netminder earned himself a call-up to the Salim Babu-led team after his exploits in the National Super League with Gusii FC and promotion-chasing Mathare.Signed from Division Two side Nyamira Super Eagles at the start of the season, he made his debut with a clean sheet in Gusii’s 2-0 win over leaders Naivas FC and went on to keep four clean sheets in nine matches before the Slum Boys snapped up his services.At Mathare, he has played second fiddle to the experienced Stephen Njunge and former Migori Youth custodian Gideon Ogweno. However, he now believes that with the lessons learned from the respected KCB goalkeeper trainer Samuel Koko, he is ready to challenge the duo for a starting berth at the clubMathare United duo Kevin Alloys and Fidel Otieno have been called up to the Kenya U20 team for the four-nation tournament in Malawi in just over a week’s time. Otieno plays as a right-back, while Alloys is a goalkeeper. #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/qVVjdgHUkc— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) March 9, 2024 The 19-year-old told Mozzart Sport it was an honor to be recognized at the national level and train under the watch of elite coaches noting that, the call-up will motivate him to work harder and don the national colors in the near future.“I consider myself lucky to have got the call-up and trained with the team. I enjoyed every moment with the boys. It will motivate me to work even harder. I have picked tactics that will help in league matches and build myself as a goalkeeper,” offered Alloys.“I am going back to Mathare a motivated person and I feel with Njunge and Ogweno in our team, I have what it takes to be a top-class custodian. I will be putting in more shifts to try and fight for a starting place in the team now that the camp has pumped in some new tactics which will be instrumental in cementing a place in the slum boys’ squad,” he added.Firat promises to explain Austin Odhiambo’s omission from Harambee StarsHaving already tasted life in the national team camp, Masongo vowed to put in extra effort and be considered for future assignments, and rise through the ranks to the senior team.He said the early exit from the camp would not dampen his resolve to become a regular player for the club and national team.“I would have wished to stay longer in camp but I appreciate the days I trained with the team. I will endeavor to work harder in league matches. My goal is to represent Kenya in all categories,” he added.CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2024 set for June – July in ZanzibarKenya is set to face Malawi in the opening match of the Four Nation Tournament at the Bingu National Stadium with the senior team taking to the field two days later against the host nation.
