Kenya Under-20 goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala has revealed how representing the country in the Four Nations Tournament, COSAFA Cup, and the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has significantly improved his family’s standards of living.Wanzala has had a year to remember, as he has been involved in all three tournaments with both the Rising and Emerging (U23) Stars’ teams.He was part of the Kenya-20 team that finished second in the Four Nations Tournament held in Malawi back in March where Kenya lost 3-1 to the hosts in the final.##NAJAVA_MECA_8457264##Wanzala was included in the Kenya U-23 team for the COSAFA Cup held in June in South Africa, although he did not get playing time just like in the tournament held in Lilongwe.He, however, played a crucial role in Rising Stars’ successful hunt for a slot in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, as he was voted the best goalkeeper in the qualifiers held this month in Tanzania.The 18-year-old disclosed that he used a huge chunk of the bonuses gathered from the three tournaments to hand his parents a decent lifestyle.##NAJAVA_MECA_8457044##Although there have been concerns raised on the government’s decision to reward teams and sportsmen with finances upon return from international events, Wanzala says it has made a major difference in his life.Critics argued that giving sportsmen cash rewards amounted to promoting tokenism.Kenya U20 goalkeeper sets eyes on World Cup after AFCON qualification”I used part of the money to renovate my parents’ house. I also equipped it with important home appliances. I am happy to see them living in better conditions than they were before March. I hope my talent will continue impacting their lives positively,” he opened up.The Kakamega Homeboyz custodian also revealed that he moved into a new house and equipped it with state-of-the-art furniture and home appliances thanks to the proceeds from the three international assignments.”I am also living in a better house and conditions than I was before,” he said.England coach and two players laud Kenya U17’s performance at FIFA World CupAt the same time, he spared a chunk of the money to seek medical attention from a specialist following a niggly knee injury that he grappled with earlier in the year.The former Mayenje Santos goalkeeper is set to undergo knee scans after experiencing discomfort in the semifinal clash against Burundi.
