Tusker FC midfielder Chrispine Erambo has discussed his experience with the national team Harambee Stars during the recently concluded four-nation tournament in Malawi.The young midfielder was one of the surprise call-ups to the national team by coach Engin Firat and started both games against Malawi in the semis and Zimbabwe in the final. Although he was substituted in the first half of the final for Kenneth Muguna with Kenya 1-0 down, the Stars went on to win the game 3-1 courtesy of a Michael Olunga hat-trick.##NAJAVA_MECA_8010126##Erambo’s story has been one of rapid rise. He first joined Tusker as a trialist before the season started and ended up earning a contract. Weeks later, he established himself as a starter in the team and is currently one of the most important players for the Robert Matano-led outfit.The player has spoken about his experience with the national team, starting with coach Firat whom he describes as friendly and encouraging. “He is a very friendly coach who encourages you and shows confidence in you,” he told Sports Eye. “One of the important things that he told me, which stuck, was the affirmation that he handed me the call-up on merit and not as a favour. He told me to be confident in myself, which is a good thing for a player,” he added.Mwaura: Nairobi United taking game at a time in promotion raceFirat further praised the former Mombasa Elite man, telling him that he has the potential to be a world-beater. Erambo expressed his desire for more involvement with the national team in the future. “He told me that I have the potential to become a good player, and I want to thank him for the call-up, the chance to play for the national team, and I’m looking forward to more. I will keep working as hard as I used to and hope that I get that call-up again. I have tasted national team football, and I want more.”The player also discussed the support he received from other players after his first call-up, mentioning veteran midfielder Teddy Akumu as one who gave him wise counsel ahead of his international career. “Firstly, it was Akumu. He encouraged me because, when we arrived at camp, he was already there, and he was the first person that I interacted with. He had some encouraging words for me. A number of players also talked to me, especially after I was named in the starting team. They said I was lucky to start in my first call-up, and generally, it was a good experience,” he added.When asked if his inclusion in the national team came as a surprise, the player confidently said he anticipated the call-up, considering his signing for the Brewers before the season commenced. “I was confident that I would play for the national team when I signed for Tusker because playing in the top flight gives you that edge. I think when you play in the top flight, you have a 50% chance, and the rest is up to you to work hard.”Erambo will be hoping to be included in the national squad for the June World Cup qualifiers.Mururi confident in Nzoia Sugar’s survival chances despite Murang’a Seal battering
