Defender Manzur Okwaro is still over the moon, weeks after making his first ever senior Harambee Stars debut. Okwaro, 19, was introduced as a late substitute in last month’s World Cup qualifier against Gabon by new coach Benni McCarthy, and speaking exclusively to Telecomasia.net, says that moment will forever be in his memory.
The young defender had caught the eye of McCarthy as he trained with the Kenyan Under-20 team, and was immediately called up to the senior ranks ahead of the qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
That was the biggest day of my life. It was a moment that I will cherish forever and I won’t forget. Making my senior team debut was always on my ambition list but I didn’t know it would come early. I was excited for that moment and it inspired me a lot. Stepping onto the pitch to play for the senior team has given me a lot of motivation and a push to keep working hard.
The defender has lauded the relationship he has forged with coach McCarthy and says it inspires him to know that the tactician has a lot of belief in him.
The coach has really helped me grow and improve. He gives me lots of advice, he tells me how to play, position myself and how to be better. Having someone like that guide you, someone who has played and coached in the biggest stages is a dream for any footballer and I am looking forward to learning more and making bigger steps in my career.
Okwaro’s targets remain to do well at the upcoming Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and also fighting for a place in Kenya’s team for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) which will be staged in August.
