Gospel's big prayer at Kakamega Homeboyz

Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder Gospel Otieno is among the players who can’t wait for the door to the national U23 team to open.

Otieno, who made his top-flight debut last season against Mathare United at the Bukhungu Stadium, says playing for the Emerging Stars is one of the short-term career goals he has at the moment.

The 20-year old central defensive midfielder in an interview with Mozzart Sport couldn’t hide his desire of wearing the national team colours especially for the senior team.

Before then, the player intends to scale through the youth team that has previously provided a platform for some of the international players to showcase their talents and even win deals abroad.

“Playing for the U23 team is part of my plan. Obviously, the senior team is the ultimate target but I feel playing for the junior team will prepare me adequately,” he opined.

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For a player who has tasted CAF Confederation Cup and league action, he reckons that fighting for a place in the junior national team is a realistic ambition.

Otieno debuted at the continental level after coming off the bench in the return leg of the preliminary round against Al Hilal Benghazi of Libya. Homeboyz lost 4-1 on aggregate to Al Hilal to crash out of the tournament.

Meanwhile, the former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder is planning to establish himself as a regular starter at Homeboyz.

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Despite harboring the massive career goals, Otieno is yet to get breakthrough at Homeboyz due to the competition for playing time from experienced players.

“I am trying my best in order to beat the competition. On top of the normal club training sessions, I have been undertaking personal ones in a bid to be fully ready whenever called upon in league matches,” he added.