In early March Gor Mahia winger Shariff Musa became the latest crop of youngsters from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) to secure a senior call to the national team, the Harambee Stars, under the stewardship of Engin Firat. Musa’s footballing journey started with kicking balls in the dusty fields of Kamukuywa, Kimilili in Bungoma County before honing his skills at the Chesamisi High School and Division Two side Soy United, where his rise was initiated. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7985272##The famous Kariobangi Sharks, in nurturing young talents, were to follow and the winger’s talent had already been seen making his stay short with the top-flight side, attracting attention from a host of clubs. It was Bidco United who managed to snap the signature of the rookie but six months later he ditched the Oilers for a stint with FKFPL defending champions and leaders Gor Mahia FC and got a starting role almost immediately with the Jonathan McKinstry charges. AFC Leopards left-back Vincent Mahiga has earned a call-up to the national team, Harambee Stars. He will depart for Malawi at noon alongside Gor Mahia’s Shariff Musa. #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/SOpbInm8ac— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) March 21, 2024 Whilst Musa’s journey to the top flight and the national team may be perceived as smoother, the forward told Mozzart Sport he expects a lot coming his way and hopes to inspire more kids from his hood as he looks up to leading the line for Harambee Stars in future games. “Growing up where we came from everyone was looking up to playing in the premier league and national team, not a lot of people can say they’ve done that, so it is a nice feeling and I think that kind of a feeling brought me a bit closer to football,” Musa said.Firat: Four nations performances a morale booster ahead of World Cup qualifiersShariff, who was speaking to Mozzart Sport upon landing at the airport, from Malawi where they won the four nations tournament says, the call up to the national team has pumped him to pursue further his career as he terms it a gateway to playing abroad. With tongue firmly in his cheek, the youngster said he had learned a lot from Ayub Timbe and Michael Olunga and is hopeful the picked lessons will play a huge role in turning professional. “It’s another great opportunity to link up with the national team to learn and improve yourself. See what other top players do and how they prepare for games.“It’s been really good so far. Being close to Timbe and Olunga who are world-class forwards has gotten me to learn a lot, the call-up itself has motivated me to push to the limits and secure a move abroad.”“I believe this is going to open more international doors and hopefully I get to earn my first cap as soon as possible, again it was a good feeling staying with the big boys and learning from the great experts in the Kenyan squad,” added the speedy winger. Olunga adores team spirit for Harambee Stars’ exploits in MalawiThe 21-year-old who has managed four goals and a couple of assists this term shifts his focus to the next league game with Chour Timbe as they are already eliminated from the Mozzart Bet Cup that is set to take center stage this weekend.
