Red-hot AFC Leopards attacking midfielder Kelly Madada is praying that his inclusion in the national team will pay a significant role in propelling him to next phase of his career.Madada was drafted in the Harambee Stars provisional squad for the Mapinduzi Cup following his impressive performances in league matches with Leopards.The youngster needed just three consecutive starts to demonstrate that he is ripe for Stars duties as interim coach Francis Kimanzi reserved a slot for him.Stars are gearing up for the cup set to be held between 3rd-13th of January in Zanzibar with the team later turning focus to the 2024 CHAN tournament slated for February next year.##NAJAVA_MECA_8598396##Reacting to his inclusion in the team and the goals he hopes to achieve, Madada said besides the collective objective, he has his eyes trained on turning professional and using the proceeds to uplift his family. ” I am happy to be in the team. I appreciate the opportunity as this is a platform that can easily get you deal abroad. Turning professional has always been my dream after all, I want to help my family,” said the midfielder.Much as Madada is happy to be in the team, he understands that he will have to be patient in his bid for playing time given the competition for playing time. Kelly Madada confident of ending AFC Leopards’ 26-year title droughtHe said he was eager to learn from the duo of Austin Odhiambo and Kenneth Muguna, who are much experienced in club football and in the national team. “I am privileged to train alongside some of the big names in Kenyan football. I am learning a lot from my seniors at club level and here in camp. I am not perfect but through watching what they do, I will make it,” he stated.Meanwhile, the former student at Shanderema Secondary School disclosed that Stars legends inspired him to fall in love with football. Ambani hopeful of ending lengthy trophy drought at AFC LeopardsHe singled out: Dennis Oliech, Victor Wanyama, McDonald Mariga and current captain Michael Olunga as some of the players, whose stories dragged him to football.”I fell for the game through following the stories of our stories. It has not been hard or easy. It becomes easy when you work hard and trust in God,” he added.
