M. KisengeOwino suprised by Emerging Stars call up
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 21.06.21. | 16:52
Nairobi Stima goalkeeper opens up on how he recived his first U23 call up
Nairobi Stima goalkeeper Dolph Junior Owino was glued on his television screen on Saturday evening ready to borrow some goalkeeping skills from the ongoing Euro Championship only to be distracted by a phone call from unknown number.
Reluctantly, Owino answered the calll which delivered the unexpected news of his inclusion in the national U23 team, Emerging Stars that has already hit camp at Kasarani ahead of the CECAFA tournament set for Ethiopia, next month.
The call from the team manager Sam Leon threw the 18-year old on his knees as he thanked God for answering his prayer request of being drafted in the junior national team at a time he did not expect it.
Kenya U23 team training at Ruaraka Grounds. Immediate former Mathare United assistant coach Salim Ali is part of the technical bench and so is Gor Mahia keepers' trainer Jerry Onyango.#EmergingStars pic.twitter.com/yAebcAdGoN
— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) June 21, 2021
Although he doubted the authenticity of the news, Owino says he cleared his skepticism the following day after he woke up to find himself in a new WhatsApp group constituted by his buddies who had also been summoned.
"I honestly didn't expect to be called for the U23 squad but all along, I had been wishing to be included in the U20 team. The team manager called me at around 8:30pm when I was busy watching highlights from the ongoing Euro finals. I first thought he was making a joke until I found myself in a WhatsApp group the following day and read articles from all media outlets confirming the same, " he narrated.
Owino who joined the National Super League side at the start of the season from Gor Mahia Youth will face off with former national U20 captain Brian Bwire and Gor Mahia senior team second choice goalkeeper Caleb Otieno.
Kenya U23 Squad for Cecafa U23 Championship that will be stages in Ethiopia.
— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) June 20, 2021
Sylvester Owino gets rewarded, he has been exceptional for Kakamega Homeboyz, featured in all league matches.
Keep an eye on Alfred Emoni Tanui. That's some proper attacker in the making#KenyaU23 pic.twitter.com/4lRIKEIN23
The former student at Kisumu Day High School who had offers from Kariobangi Sharks and Posta Rangers in the last transfer window says he is self assured of making to the final squad which will fly to Ethiopia for the tournament set for between July 3-18.
" I can not afford to watch this opportunity slip through my hands. I have to work hard to make to the traveling team as well as represent the country. I have trained with the two goalkeepers and I am sure they will push me to become a better one," he added.
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