The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced the inclusion of Malawi-based central defender Clyde Senaji in the Harambee Stars squad ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Ivory Coast.Senaji joins the national team at a crucial time as the Engin Firat-coached side is dealing with injuries in the backline.FKF confirmed Senaji’s late call-up, with the player set to join the squad in Lilongwe ahead of Tuesday’s crucial match.##NAJAVA_MECA_8148336##The defender, who plays for Malawi giants Nyasa Big Bullets, joins the camp alongside Police winger David Odhiambo, who received a call-up on Saturday and linked with the team on Sunday morning.“Clyde Senaji is the latest player expected to join the Harambee Stars camp in Malawi. The defender, who plays for Nyasa Big Bullets in Malawi, comes in alongside David Odhiambo, who joined the camp this morning,” read FKF’s statement on Facebook.Clyde Senaji is the latest player expected to join the #HarambeeStars camp in Malawi. The defender, who plays for Nyasa Big Bullets in Malawi, comes in alongside David Okoth who joined the camp today morning. pic.twitter.com/2IZCQRqEWO— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) June 9, 2024 Senaji secured his maiden senior call-up to the Stars squad in May 2021 under coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee, a day before the Stars travelled to Togo.He was briskly summoned to fill the shoes of Wazito’s Johnstone Omurwa, who was then suspended after receiving a straight red card against Egypt at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.Born on June 26, 1996, in Kariokor, Nairobi County, Senaji is the third born in a family of four boys and two girls.His humble beginnings in football can be traced back to the dusty pitches of Ziwani Estate in Nairobi, where he learned the basics while playing for a youth development outfit in the neighbourhood.“At seven years old, I was already playing for Kabanze Foundation in Ziwani, where I was introduced to football by coach Tom Skinde,” Senaji said.Exclusive: Talks between Michael Olunga Football Academy and AFC Eskilstuna stallUnlike most Kenyan footballers who sharpen their skills in primary school, Senaji curiously gave the game a wide berth during his years at Juja Road Primary School.”I never played football during my years at Juja Road Primary School. All my focus was on the Kabanze Foundation. I would train with the side every day after school and during the weekends,” he said in a previous interview with the Star.He remained aloof to school competitions until 2009, when he proceeded to Cardinal Otunga High School after sitting his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams.At home, he was playing for Umeme Football Club in the Football Kenya Federation’s Nairobi County League.Mara Sugar’s coach elated after sealing promotion to Kenya’s Premier LeagueHis breakthrough came when a village team in Vihiga drafted him to help battle for the title at the Agoi Football Tournament, which had been sponsored by a local Member of Parliament, and he could go on to feature for Vihiga United.The defender has also played for Tusker FC, AFC Leopards SC, and Vihiga United FC.
