Former Kenya national team attacker Taiwo Atieno has urged Tottenham Hotspur right-back Djed Spence to follow in his footsteps and represent the Harambee Stars.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsBorn in England to a Kenyan father and a British mother, Atieno chose to play for Harambee Stars, representing the team between 2009 and 2012 before retiring from football in 2013.##NAJAVA_MECA_8814229##More than a decade later, another player with dual heritage faces a similar decision. Spence, born in England to a Kenyan mother and a Jamaican father, has the option to represent Kenya or Jamaica, given that a call-up to the England national team seems unlikely.Atieno has advised Spence to consider Kenya, the co-host of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), and believes that meeting the national team’s new coach, Benni McCarthy, would be beneficial before making a final decision.KCB coach blames injuries for dropped points against Homeboyz“But as someone who once walked the same path of dual heritage in South London, I believe now is the right time to offer a different perspective—one shaped by experience. Firstly, I would encourage Djed to come and meet our new coach, Benni McCarthy, and experience Kenya before making his decision on which national team to represent,” Atieno told Flashscore.According to Atieno, such a meeting would be an eye-opener for Spence, as it would allow him to fully understand the coach’s expectations and plans for the national team.“This important step in his career should be made with a fully informed view—not just based on surface-level assumptions,” he added.John Kamau hails Mathare United’s resilience after comeback win over Mara SugarAtieno further explained why he believes Kenya would be the best choice for Spence, citing the positive football transformation taking place in the country and the wider East African region.He emphasized that choosing Kenya is not just about football but also about culture, influence, opportunity, and legacy.“Kenya—and East Africa more broadly—is undergoing a football transformation. The game is no longer just about what happens on the pitch. It’s about culture, influence, opportunity, and legacy. Choosing the Harambee Stars isn’t about turning away from English football; it’s about stepping up to lead a nation and inspire generations.”Harambee Starlets set for tough Ivory Coast test ahead of WAFCON qualifierAtieno further pointed out that Spence’s continued omission from the England squad should factor into his decision. He believes that by switching allegiance to Kenya, Spence would have a greater chance of securing a starting position and making a significant impact on the team.Spence’s absence from past England squads has led to speculation about his international future and whether he might opt to represent Kenya instead. In a recent interview, Spence addressed these speculations but remained noncommittal about his choice.“Who doesn’t want to play for their country? That’s something I’m looking forward to. If I get called up, happy days; if I don’t, I’ll just keep working hard,” Spence told Football.London. “I haven’t heard from anyone. I’m just focusing on right now. I just want to keep playing well and help the team win games.”
