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The player has revealed his delight at earning his first call-up for Harambee Stars after keeping hope alive following recent snubs by coach Engin Firat
Orlando City defender Nabilai Kibunguchy has expressed his delight at having received his maiden Harambee Stars call-up.
The American-born defender was among 28 players named by Stars coach Engin Firat in his squad for Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and the Seychelles this month.
Kibunguchy had sent Firat a ‘come get me plea’ in September after being snubbed for friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan and after also missing out on last month’s friendly with Russia, he will now get his first bite of the cherry, which he cannot wait
14:03 - 10.11.2023
FOOTBALL Eric Johana returns as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars squad for World Cup qualifiers
Firat has named Eric Johana in his 28-man squad for the first time since taking over as head coach but also handed debut call-ups to three other players.
“Blessed to have such an opportunity being called up to the Kenya National Team! Now, the work continues,” a happy Kibunguchy said via a social media post on Friday.
Born in California and raised just south of Sacramento all his life, Kibunguchy is the son of former California Department of Transportation engineer Herbert Kibunguchy and a nanny who emigrated separately from Kenya to the United States when they were teenagers to attend college and met in their new country.
Herbert later returned to Kenya and is currently the Bungoma County Executive Committee Member in charge of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.
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06:30 - 08.09.2023
Harambee Stars: US-born Kenyan defender sends Firat ‘come get me’ plea
The defender seems to have been disappointed by being snubbed for Kenya’s friendlies against Qatar and South Sudan but he is keeping hope alive
The defender secured a transfer to Orlando City SC on a short-term agreement from Orlando City B in August and despite his recent snubs by Firat, he never lost hope.
“I will play for my national team one day…speaking it into existence,” the player vowed via a social media post in September.
Kibunguchy, who first visited Kenya in December 2021, has dual citizenship which made him eligible to play for Harambee Stars. He made two appearances for the US Under-19 team in 2016 but had been itching to turn out for Kenya and he now has his chance.
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07:31 - 10.11.2023
FOOTBALL Engin Firat explains what Benson Omala needs to do for regular Harambee Stars call ups
Benson Omala's journey to international success faces challenges; coach Firat outlines key areas local players must improve.
Orlando City B signed Kibunguchy prior to the 2023 season. The defender was originally drafted by Minnesota United FC in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft as the No 18 overall pick out of UC Davis.
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