Kenyan young defender Amos Wanjala says he dreams of reaching the same heights in football as his role models: Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger, Arsenal’s William Saliba, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, as he builds up his career from the ground up.
Wanjala, 19, recently captained Kenya’s Under-20 team to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations qualification in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This came just a few months after sealing his first-ever professional move in Europe, signing for Spanish fourth-tier side Athletic Club Torrellano.
The soft-spoken defender moved to Europe last year, immediately after finishing his high school education, and joined Nastic Sports Academy. His performances at the Academy initiated a myriad of interests, and Real Madrid’s Youth Team, the Castilla, is among those actively following up on his progress.
Wanjala speaks exclusively to Telecomasia.net on his young career, captaining the Kenyan national junior team as well as his goals and ambitions for the future.
Bet on football with 1xBet– You are now in your second year in Europe and already making so much progress. How has it been so far?
– It has been great so far, though it was a bit difficult at the start getting used to being in Europe. The language, food, and culture were also difficult at the beginning. However, I got myself a Spanish tutor who has been really helping me with the language, and so far, I have really improved and I can speak well. Things are getting better.
– How much have you grown as a person and as a player since moving to Europe?
– There has been so much to learn in the short period that I have been there. As a person, I have really grown, not just in terms of how I look at football, but life in general. In terms of football, I have improved a lot in my defending, communication, and also a lot in my development of the game and skills.
– You have recently made your first pro move. How are you adapting to it?
It is a really positive move for me because I believe it will set the foundation for what lies ahead in my career. I love it so far, and I have settled in quite well. I believe the good start is a sign of better things to come. I want to learn as much as I can, improve myself, and get ready for the next step.
Bet on football with 1xBet– Speaking about the next step, where do you want to see yourself in your career?
– My dream is to play at the highest levels of football. I look at my role models, like Saliba, van Dijk, and Rudiger, and I dream that I get to where they are at the moment. I love how they play, their leadership and dedication on the field, and they inspire me a lot every day. One day, I would want to be the best player in my position, and with hard work and determination, it is possible.
– You recently led Kenya to their first-ever AFCON U20 qualification. How proud are you as the captain with this achievement?
– This was a massive achievement not just for me as a player, but for the entire team and the country. We went to Tanzania with one dream in mind, and that is to qualify for the Cup of Nations, and we made history for our country. It wasn’t easy, but we were determined to achieve what had not been achieved before.
We are all proud as a team, and now, the ambition is to go to the Cup of Nations and perform well, show what we can do as a country, and achieve something. We have a good team and we have what it takes. We have been together since the Under-18 level, and I believe this will give us more strength.
– There is a clear path for you into the senior team, having played at the COSAFA Cup. Do you see yourself breaking into the senior team?
– Honestly, it is a step at a time. At the moment, I just want to take my steps, learn, and grow, but definitely, I want to be at the top. Playing at the COSAFA Cup was a really good experience in terms of gaining experience and confidence. There are so many lessons I picked from there, and I am quite confident they have helped me become a better player.
– Finally, who do you owe your success so far to?
– Definitely has to be my mum. She has been there for me and encourages me to work harder in my career. She is a hard worker and when I look at her I get motivated because I want to emulate her and make her proud.