Ulinzi Stars midfielder Leshan Mootian credits his recent inclusion in the Harambee Stars squad for the final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers partly to advice from two-time MVP award winner Erick Kapaito.Mootian, who made the final 23-man squad announced by coach Engin Firat on Friday last week, is among the rare talents to have reached the national team just ten months after stepping up from fourth-tier football.This is Mootian’s second call-up to the national team; his first came earlier this month for the CHAN return match against South Sudan.##NAJAVA_MECA_8485663##Kenya will face Zimbabwe on Friday, November 15, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, before playing Namibia four days later at the same venue.These matches are pivotal, as six points would secure Kenya a return to AFCON after a five-year absence.For Mootian, the upcoming qualifiers carry personal significance.He hopes to maximize this opportunity to contribute to the national team and pursue his goal of succeeding at the top level of Kenyan football.Reflecting on his journey, Mootian shared how Kapaito’s guidance motivated him.Exclusive: AFC Leopards in potential legal dispute with Singapore kit maker over payment delaysAfter a league match against Tusker in February at Lang’ata Sports Complex, Kapaito approached Mootian, encouraging him to believe in himself and offering advice on excelling in the league.Kapaito is one of Kenyan football’s most accomplished players, winning the MVP and Golden Boot awards in 2018 and again in 2020-2021 with Kariobangi Sharks.His success extended beyond Kenya, having played with Ethiopia’s Arba Minch and now Namungo in Tanzania. Kapaito’s achievements have inspired many young players, including Mootian.“Kapaito has accomplished so much in the top league and is a highly respected figure in our community. Every young footballer where I’m from wants to follow in his footsteps.No Room for Complacency, warns Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees ahead of Kenya clashWhen I joined Ulinzi, he was gracious enough to advise me. His words of encouragement about confidence and hard work have been crucial to where I am today. I wouldn’t mind achieving what he has,” Mootian told SportsBoom.com.Mootian also expressed gratitude to former Ulinzi head coach Benjamin Nyangweso and current Kenya Police coach Anthony Kimani, who both helped him make the jump from fourth-tier football to the FKF Premier League.“Many people have guided me since I joined Ulinzi. I’m very grateful for their support and advice,” he added.##NAJAVA_MECA_8495297##
