)
Still a student at the university, the Kenya Police defender has been so impressive, he earned a call-up to the Harambee Stars squad for their matches against Ivory Coast and Burundi.
In the bustling world of Kenyan football, few stories are as inspiring as that of Brian Okoth, the fast-rising centre-back for Kenya Police.
With just three months at his new club and in only his third year in the top tier, Okoth has achieved a remarkable milestone: his first call-up to the national team Harambee Stars.
This opportunity places him in the provisional 25-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
The Harambee Stars are set to host Burundi on June 7 at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi before taking on the African champions.
Among the five new faces in the squad selected by coach Engin Firat, Okoth stands out as the only player currently active in the local league.
His inclusion is a significant acknowledgment of his talent and performance on the pitch. "I am happy to receive my first national team call-up less than three years since my top-flight debut," Okoth shared, as quoted on Mozzart Sport.
"Getting a slot in the national team is a dream come true. I consider it a reward for the hard work I have been putting in at club level."
)
15:30 - 20.05.2024
Adam Wilson: Who is the English-born former Newcastle United winger called up by Harambee Stars?
Who is the little-known former Newcastle United forward that has been drafted into the Harambee Stars squad for their upcoming World Cup quailifying games against Burundi and Ivory Coast?
Okoth's journey to this point is as impressive as his current achievement. A fourth-year student at Masinde Muliro University, he is balancing his academic pursuits in Public Relations and Advertising with his burgeoning football career.
His top-flight debut came in February 2022 with Vihiga Bullets, a club that has since been relegated to the second tier. Before this, he honed his skills with Homa Bay Prisons and Shaviringa United. His move to FC Talanta in January last year proved pivotal, offering him greater exposure and elevating his profile.
"The progress I have made since joining the top tier is an indication that I am on the right path and on course to achieve my career dreams," Okoth reflected.
"Apart from winning titles with Police, I hope to make my national team debut and become a regular figure in the team. This will certainly open bigger doors in the future," he added.
)
18:00 - 20.05.2024
Tobias Knost: Who is the former Germany U-18 defender that has been called up by Harambee Stars?
Who is Tobias Knost? The former Germany-U18 star that has been called up by Harambee Stars.
As Okoth prepares to join the Harambee Stars camp, he will find familiar faces in teammates Patrick Matasi and Abud Omar.
For Okoth, this call-up is more than just recognition; it is a crucial step towards his ultimate dream of turning professional, a journey that continues to inspire many young footballers across the nation.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)