National U18 football team captain Amos Wanjala joined the on-song Spanish Academy Nastic Sports as a central defender.Wanjala had demonstrated his ability to anchor the defence during the inter-school football games and the CECAFA U18 tournament held last year in Kisumu.However, it has emerged that coaches at Nastic have unearthed his versatility as he can play not only at the heart of the defence but also right back and as a defensive midfielder. Harambee Stars whip Malawi to secure qualification to the four-nation tournament finalWanjala joined the academy last year alongside the duo of Aldrine Kibet and Allan Kasavuli who all were Scouted during school games. The three joined the Academy’s youth team for their development but the stars are aligning for Wanjala after earning promotion to the U19 team that features in a structured and competitive league against the top-tier academies owned by some of the revered clubs.Nastic’s international manager responsible for the recruitment of players Jose Manuel Diaz Tendero revealed that the player’s coaches at the Academy had been impressed. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7980453##”There was a lot of competition at central defence and the coaches decided to try him at right back. They have also been playing him as a defensive midfielder and the reports we have been getting, he is doing well in all positions. At the academy level, coaches normally do try players in different positions,” said Manuel. His elevation to the U19 team, obviously after impressing the coaching fraternity, is seen as a plot to have Wanjala work his way up to the professional side of the academy. Apart from the three, the academy, owned by the oldest Spanish club is home to other Kenyan players who play and undertake studies at the establishment.Kenya U18 captain Amos Wanjala will not join the Kenya U20 squad for the upcoming four-nation tournament in Lilongwe, Malawi. Although initially part of coach Salim Babu’s squad preparing for the tournament, he will be absent due to club commitments. His Spanish club,… pic.twitter.com/s9NG4ChWDf— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) March 13, 2024 There is a huge possibility of more Kenyan players joining the Academy should the U19 select teams win the attention of the scouts during their two-week stay in Spain.The teams made up of 19 girls and 20 boys hit the runaway on Saturday afternoon and will take part in the Costa Daurada Cup as well as friendly matches.Nastic owner Jose Maria Andreu who doubles up as the general manager of the Gimnastic of Tarragona, the senior side of the academy was also in the country to witness the flag-off ceremony of the team to Spain. He was flanked by Javier Ornia the general manager at Nastic and Jose Manuel. Coaches confident in Kenyan U19 players landing deals in Spain
