Kenya’s midfielder Aldrine Kibet says the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt is an opportunity for the players to advance their careers. Kenya is playing at the tournament for the first time ever, after qualifying following their second-place finish at last year’s CECAFA Championship.
Kibet, who plies his trade in Spain with Nastic Academy, speaking exclusively to Telecomasia.net has called on the players to take their chances at the tournament.
Kenya’s Rising Stars has been drawn in a very tough Pool B alongside Morocco, Tunisia and Nigeria.
Despite being in a hugely competitive pool, Kibet believes that the team’s ambition remains to go all the way and win the trophy, despite this being their first time ever.
The 18-year-old was part of Kenya’s team at the CECAFA Under-18 Championship two years ago and believes the fact that most players who were part of the squad are still in the Under-20 bracket.
He speaks of his growth, the team’s chances as well as opening up on his adventure in Spain so far.
- How big of an opportunity is it for you to be part of the team that takes Kenya to the AFCON for the first time?
- This is a massive opportunity and something that possibly comes once in your career. The tournament is every two years and that means you might not be lucky to qualify more than once because of advancement in age. This is a great opportunity for everyone in the team. It is every player’s wish to be part of such a tournament and we need to take the chance with both our hands.
- As players, what platform does the AFCON Under-20 offer for you?
- This is a really big chance to progress our careers. We are playing at a big stage and we have a chance to showcase what we can do to the rest of the continent and the world. It is a platform where we can also progress our careers and you never know maybe some players can get opportunities to move to bigger teams. It is a huge chance for all of us and we need to leave the tournament better players with more experience to take us to the next level.
- You are also part of history, this being the first ever Kenyan team to qualify. Does it give you extra incentive moving in to the tournament?
- Absolutely. We have already made history by qualification and we can make more history by going all the way to win the tournament. It drives us to know that we have achieved something and we are able to achieve even more.
- In terms of preparation, how ready are you guys for such a challenge ahead?
- We have prepared very well from when we got into camp. We played some really good friendly matches which improved our confidence and showed us where we are as a team and I believe we are ready.
- The current team is hugely made up of players who were part of the Under-18 team. In terms of continuity and team synergy, how useful is this?
- It is really great that most of us have managed to transition to the Under-20. It shows that both the team and us as individual players are evolving. When you are a team which has been together for long, it becomes easier in terms of playing and understanding each other. We also have the same coaches we had so it is something really positive for us.
- What is your ambition heading to the Under-20 AFCON in Egypt?
- We are going to Egypt and our target is to win the trophy. We want to go there and give our all and win it for Kenya. We know that Kenyans are behind us and we have to reward them with a good performance and the trophy.
- Personally, how much have you grown since moving to Spain?
- It has been a really great experience for me being there for the last two years. I have learnt a lot and definitely an improved player now. I have gained experience in terms of games and how to manage different scenarios, movements on the pitch and now I want to try and apply what I have learnt with the national team.
- You went there as a young kid, straight from High School. How difficult was it for you to settle down?
- Honestly at first when I went there, it was really tough and challenging. It was a new culture, new environment and a new way of football. The system of play was really different from what I was used to and I had to adjust. Now it feels better and I am at home there.
I had a lot of support especially from the coaches because they were the ones who scouted us and knew our abilities so when things got tough, they still supported us because they knew what we could do. They really believed in us.
- Has playing in Spain ignited your belief in making it in the big leagues?
- Definitely. Being in Europe is something big. We prayed for this when we were kids and sometimes you feel like it is a dream and you have achieved it at a young age. When you walk on the streets there and meet with big players it drives your motivation. I have met with the likes of Joselu, Gerrard Moreno and more and every time I say hi, speak to them, it ignites a fire for me to get there as well. Around five years back, it seemed impossible but now everything is falling into place.
- Finally, what are some of the ambitions you have?
- Definitely, I want to do better and progress in my career. The biggest focus now is on growing and doing better. I am under no pressure at all because I believe as long as you put in the work, things will always fall in place.
