Daniel Anyembe made his Kenyan national team debut slightly over a year and a half ago, and over time has grown to become a dependable figure in the backline for the Harambee Stars.
Born of a Kenyan father and a Danish mother, Anyembe played for Denmark in the youth levels, but made the decision to switch his international allegiance to Kenya in March 2023.
He has been actively involved in Kenya’s journey to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026, playing all four of the qualification games. He also looks forward to playing part in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when the matches enter round three and four in October.
Kenya sits fourth in Group F of the qualifiers with five points, five behind group leaders Ivory Coast and four behind second placed Gabon. The top finishers in every group are guaranteed a place in the expanded World Cup, while the second placed teams might make the second repechage round for a second chance of qualification.
Anyembe speaks exclusively to Telecomasia.net on his ambitions, his drive for the World Cup and what he hopes to achieve with the Kenyan national team.
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– How has the experience and journey for the 2026 World Cup been so far?
– It hasn’t been bad, however, it wasn’t exactly good either. We drew games that I think we could have won. We are not really satisfied with the single points from draws but hopefully, we can battle to improve and do better in the remaining matches to be able to stand a good chance.
We didn’t quite get what we deserved but I am sure in the coming matches, we will do better.
We are playing really well at the moment because the structure and organization of the team is good and we work together as a team. Those attributes can make us do well.
– Do you believe that Kenya can qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever?
– For sure it is a big target for not only me as a player, but for the team as a whole, the coaching staff and everyone. We are all working hard every day to make the dream come true. Personally, I would love us to make it into one of the major tournaments, the World Cup and the AFCON, but it would be great if we get both. I believe it can happen.
– You have been playing across the backline, either at center back or as a right back. Does this affect your game in any way?
– Not at all, because even at my club in Denmark I sometimes play as a center back and sometimes as a right back. I am familiar with both roles and I enjoy playing either. That is football life. It is all mental and if you can get yourself in the right spot mentally, you can make it.
– How has the experience been, playing for the Kenyan national team?
– Since making my debut I've enjoyed every bit of it. It has been an amazing experience to represent my country and I am looking forward to playing many games with the Harambee Stars. It would be my dream to achieve major success with this team and qualify for big competitions.
– You had a choice between Kenya and Denmark and you made your decision to play for Kenya. What was the influence?
– Well, my father was born here and it meant a lot to him if I could play for Kenya, so I thought it would be great to do this for him when the opportunity arose.
– What do you think of the Kenyan national team?
– I think we have a very good team with quality all over. Since I joined, I’ve seen tremendous quality in the individual players and the coaching staff. We are building something special and from the performances and results, it is evident that we are progressing and I am positive we are headed in the right direction.
– Up next is the AFCON qualifiers, what do we expect from the team?
– As always, our ambition is to win. I was glad that the team picked up four points in the first two games and I am looking forward to joining them and giving my contribution on the pitch for the next two games.
