The events of December 8 2023 still linger deep in Aldrine Kibet’s mind, more so when he gets a chance to represent his nation in any capacity.After featuring in Kenya’s U20 squad this year is Malawi, the youngster is now on course to feature in Kenya’s U23 team set to take part in this year’s COSAFA Tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_8173382##Another chance then for him to replay a 2-1 defeat to Uganda in a pivotal CECAFA U18 Championship in Kisumu.”It feels really great to get another opportunity to play for the national team,” the youngster, currently plying trade at Nastic Sports Academy in Spain, said on Monday. “The last time I was here with the Junior Stars (U18s) we didn’t achieve what we had intended. We did all our best to get into the final which we lost, but there are many lessons I took from that tournament.”Having also lost another final with the U20s in Lilongwe, Malawi, Kibet believes those setbacks have been a teaching moment for him.”In such tournaments you learn that its a journey that should end up with winning,” he said. “That kind of winning mentality is what I intend to bring to this team and hopefully we can end up having a say in this championship.”FKFPL Review: Gor Mahia turn focus to CAF CL after clinching 21st league crownKenya, in Group B, is set to face Zambia, Zimbabwe and Comoros, where finishing top of the pool guarantees a place in the semifinals. U23 Stars hold first training session ahead of COSAFA Cup involvementOn exposure to the national team set up he said: “International experience offers more interms of playing different styles and game plays, which offers me something new everytime.”At the moment, I believe with the work of mental coaches in Spain I am well accustomed to work under pressure, and also I am very versatile,” he added.Also joining him from Nastic Sports Academy in the team is center-back Amos Wanjala.
