Haniff Wesonga © Courtesy
Haniff Wesonga © Courtesy

KCB defender reflects on lessons learned with Harambee Stars

Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 24.11.23. | 09:14

The defender was part of the Harambee Stars squad that did for Kenya against Gabon and Seychelles in recent World Cup qualifiers

KCB centre back Haniff Wesonga has revealed that he can handle pressure better after being part of the Harambee Stars team that took part in the opening two matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and the Seychelles.

Wesonga was drafted into the Stars final squad that played the two countries on Thursday last week in Franceville and on Monday in Ivory Coast, respectively.

Stars lost 1-2 to Gabon before recovering and annihilating the Seychelles 5-0 in the second game played on Ivorian soil, as the islanders lack a facility that can host international matches.

Although he didn't get the opportunity to debut, Wesonga says watching his colleagues play the two competitive matches opened him to new ideas about handling pressure.

Stars coach Engin Firat paired Zambia-based Dennis Ng'ang'a and Johnstone Omurwa, who plies his trade in Portugal, at the heart of the defence in both matches.

Wesonga said he tapped lessons from the two, the full backs, and the rest of the team on how they conducted themselves when under pressure from opponents.

"I drew lessons from the two matches. I feel I can handle pressure and defend better than I used to a few weeks ago," he highlighted as one of the benefits of being on the national team.

The 20-year-old also revealed that Firat shared with him tips to improve his game, which he intends to work on during league assignments.

Wesonga, who is in his second season in the top flight, said he will capitalise on the playing time at KCB and polish himself to be ready for next year's national team assignments.

"The coach helped me see some of the areas I need to improve on. He spent time with me, highlighting my strengths and weaknesses," he added.


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Haniff WesongaHarambee StarsKCB FC

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