National Super League (NSL) outfit Mombasa Stars’ goalkeeper Sheikh Aleeleya is the latest Kenyan-born player to earn a national team call-up from a foreign country.He is set to make his debut as a Somali international.Aleeleya joined Mombasa Stars during the mid-season transfer window from Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side Bandari FC and has since displaced Said Dhadho for the starting spot.National Super League (NSL) outfit Mombasa Stars’ goalkeeper Sheikh Aleeleya is the latest Kenyan-born player to earn a national team call-up to a foreign country. He is set to make his debut as a Somali international#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/4V8fMbdmRf— Brian Odhiambo (@Odhiambo_Brian1) May 26, 2024 The shot-stopper, who linked up with Bandari last year, was born in Kenya but is of Somali descent through his parents.The former Kakamega Homeboyz netminder could feature for The Ocean Stars when they take on Mozambique and Botswana in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G qualifiers, as they seek to overturn a poor start to the campaign.Aleeleya, a St. Peter’s Mumias High School product, confirmed that he had received a call-up and is looking forward to contesting for game time in the national team colours.“I have received my call-up to the Somali team. It feels good to return there. I hope I will help the squad. We have all that it takes to perform in the group,” he said.Sofapaka’s Levis Ojuok Confident in team’s survival in FKFPLThis is not the first time Aleeleya has been called up to the squad. In 2022, he received a call but did not travel.However, he is eager to take his chance this time around.“In 2022, I got called but I did not travel. This time, I will link up with them,” he told Mozzart Sport.Aleeleya began his studies at St. Anthony’s Boys’ High School, Kitale, before transferring to St. Peter’s Mumias, where Homeboyz spotted him.He later played for Somali Premier League side Gadiidka FC.##NAJAVA_MECA_8124240##The shot-stopper joined Homeboyz in January 2020 after completing his studies. Although he didn’t garner much game time due to competition from his seniors and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, his talent and potential were evident.
