Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat on Wednesday released a list of players who will start training in preparation for the Four Nations Tournament in Malawi next week.Among those called up to the team is David Sakwa, the Bandari forward who earned himself a maiden call-up to the national team. In an interview with Mozzart Sport, Sakwa says his summon to the Kenya national team marks the pinnacle of his footballing journey so far.##NAJAVA_MECA_7950049##The Dockers forward was rewarded for his fine form in the FKF Division One League and FKF Premier League this season and could be in line for national team debut if he cuts to the final squad.The promising player was among the seven players handed their first ever call ups among them: Murang’a Seal’s goalkeeper Bonphas Munyasa, Alphonse Ombija based in Oman, Tusker’s promising midfielder Chris Erambo, AFC Leopards’ Kaycie Odhiambo, Shariff Musa of Gor Mahia and Scotland based Jonah Ayunga.“This has always been my dream and I am excited that it is finally here, I appreciate the call-up and this will serve as a challenge to work harder to maintain my place in the team,’ he offered.Sakwa started his playing career with Matunda Sports Club in Kiminini in the Sub County League leading the club to three successive promotions including an elevation to the third-tier last season before the team swapped names to Kiminini Combined.Three months ago, David Sakwa was on the books of FKF Division One side Kiminini Combined FC.He moved to Bandari during the mid-season transfer window, and he has now received his first-ever call-up to the national team, Harambee Stars.#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/8oVOF9DpCM— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) March 13, 2024 Recalling his journey, he said, “I started as a midfielder for my home team and most of the people in the team were playing in the midfield, the then coach Jotham Kalama challenged me to go upfront since he felt I was good, and deserved to start, that’s how I feel in love with scoring goals.”On the national team assignments, the player who a fortnight ago was jostling in the fourth division could not hide his excitement at making the provisional squad as he deemed it a perfect opportunity to scale his fast-rising career to new levels.”It’s been a journey getting up to the standard and putting in the performances, but it’s been a good one, it’s hard to put into words how I feel but I am on the right trajectory,”“[Now], my main focus is on training well, doing what I can do, being the best version of myself, and see if I can it to the final squad, I dream of representing this country out there,” he added.Marcelo out of Harambee Stars’ Four-Nation TournamentThe player was full of praise for his coaches at the club John Baraza and Jerry Onyango for helping him grow as a player attributing his growth to their immense efforts in seeing him a better juggler.“Coach Baraza and Onyango have been good, they have shown me how to play, mentoring me, and giving me chances, this opportunity comes because of them since they had trust and offered game time,”Sakwa had a message for upcoming footballers whose journey has faced setbacks, “If you know you have talent, don’t give up, keep doing what you are doing your time will come and keep praying.”Mathare’s Masongo picks positives after exiting U20 camp
