Every footballer dreams of pulling on their country’s national jersey and representing their family’s heritage on the pitch.St Mirren striker Jonah Ayunga is no different. Born in England to a Kenyan father and English father, the ##NAJAVA_MECA_7967893##That link has seen Ayunga called up to the national team, the Harambee Stars, in recent years but he is yet to seal his first cap, but following a captivating season with Mirren, the Scotland-based forward is the line for his first cap when Kenya takes part in the Four Nation Tournament this weekend.Speaking to members of the press after a training session with the Stars at Utalii Grounds on Tuesday, Ayunga disclosed he was eager to make a debut in the famous red colors as a way of paying homage to his dad who moved to England at a young age.“It will be amazing (getting debut), My dad moved over to the UK just after I was born and he sacrificed a lot – missing and leaving his family behind so I think if I can doit for him it will be amazing,” offered Ayunga.On what he brings to the national team, the former Suton United striker said, “Jonah is a powerful striker, who tries to help the team through hard work, running with the ball, and scores as many goals as possible.”Talanta Hela U19 squads set for prestigious tournaments in SpainThe bulky striker expressed happiness at landing the call-up after the previous two failed attempts due to passport logistics and asserted readiness to impress the technical bench in training sessions for more summons.“I came in 2017 but because I didn’t have a Kenyan passport and then the camp was canceled the second time and did not train properly with the team, this is a great opportunity, hopefully, I get to impress the coach and play in the tournament,” he added.“There is a lot of competition in each position which is always good as it makes everyone’s level go up when you know you are not safe to be in the team. So, I will try and impress the coach every time I get a chance.”Ayunga added that he is focused on delivering in the coming tournament in Malawi which will guarantee him a place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier matches in June.“If I focus on the tournament this time, I will earn a chance to join the team in June,” he concluded.The striker who has netted twice for Mirren since recovering from injury will be competing for places in the team with Sekka forward John Avire, Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), and FKF Premier League top scorer Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia).Kenya U15 coaches left high and dry as FKF yet to honor promised allowances
