Nairobi City Stars midfielder Clifford Ouma hopes that his maiden Harambee Stars call-up will pave the way to joining his former schoolmate in European football.Ouma landed his first call to the national team last week, ahead of the first leg of the 2015 CHAN qualifier away to South Sudan.Although he was unused and was subsequently dropped for the return match, the recognition to fly the Kenyan flag meant a lot for the budding defensive midfielder.He told Mozzart Sport that he intends to build on the call-up and accomplish his dream of following in the footsteps of former City Stars midfielder and schoolmate Timothy ‘Babu’ Ouma.##NAJAVA_MECA_8457034##Ouma needed a season at City Stars to convince Swedish top-tier side Elfsborg that he was ripe for European football.He joined the club in 2022 and has since established himself as one of the key pillars and has attracted interest from a host of English Premier League clubs.Bradford City coach explains recent absence of Harambee Stars defenderInterestingly, the two midfielders schooled at Kanga Boys High School, with Ouma serving as the team’s captain.“I would like my career path to be similar to that of Babu. He was given a chance and platform, and he used it to showcase his talent to the world. The call-up will motivate me to work harder, as I hope it will open bigger opportunities. Of course I was not expecting it but I am grateful to the technical bench for believing in my abilities. This will push me to work more as I aim to play football in Europe like my friend Babu,” he said.Ouma was to move to Bulgaria during his time at National Super League Migori Youth, but the deal collapsed after the interested club realized he was still uncapped.Why Eshihanda was axed from Harambee Stars squad for CHAN qualifier return matchHe hopes to make a comeback during the November FIFA window, when Stars will be gearing up for the final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against; Namibia and Zimbabwe.“I once missed a deal in Bulgaria due to lack of national team caps. I believe my hard work will procure more caps and playing time and will ultimately send me to Europe,” he added.
