Harambee Stars Goalkeeper Reveals What Yankuba Minteh Told Alpha Onyango Amid Frustrated Move Abroad

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo has disclosed Yankubah Minteh’s message to Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango.

During the just-concluded return leg match of the World Cup qualifiers between Kenya and The Gambia, the Brighton forward shared a moment with Alpha Onyango, and he could not help but reveal the details of the conversation with Farouk Shikhalo.

The match ended 3-1, in favour of the guests, with Sheriff Sinyan (12'), Yankuba Minteh (26') and Musa Barrow (38') finding the back of the net for the Scorpions. Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam scored a consolation in the 81st minute.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Farouk Shikhalo’s confession comes after Alpha Onyango's promising move to Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel was dramatically scuttled, leaving the Harambee Stars midfielder deeply frustrated.

The transfer saga unfolded in the final hours of the Tunisian transfer window after Alpha Onyango had impressed with the national team at the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).

Etoile Sportive du Sahel, having recently signed Alpha Onyango's Gor Mahia teammate Alphonce Omija, tabled a substantial offer, reported to be around $100,000 (approximately Ksh12 million). However, Gor Mahia unexpectedly rejected the bid.

Farouk Shikhalo explained that either Alpha Onyango’s management or the Tunisian giants failed the Harambee Stars midfielder, but he disclosed that it had nothing to do with Gor Mahia.

The Harambee Stars goalkeeper pointed out that Gor Mahia have nothing to gain by denying Alpha Onyango a chance to elevate his career.

“In every contract, even the one for Alpha Onyango, though I haven’t seen it, there is something called the exit clause, and it’s either for the team or the player,” Farouk Shikhalo said on the Tiki Taka show.

“If the team releases you when you’re still on contract, they have to pay you, and if you want to leave the club before your contract expires, you have to pay them. One thing I believe is the agreement between the player and the team.

“There is no bad management, but it all depends on how you live with people and relate to them. I don’t think there is a team that can deny a player a chance to progress. I believe that for Alpha, maybe the people managing him or the team that wanted him did not follow the right procedure.”

Farouk Shikhalo further revealed that after the World Cup qualifier, Alpha Onyango visited him and shared that Yankuba Minteh had approached him after the match to praise his quality, telling him he was too talented to still be playing in the Kenyan Premier League.

The Harambee Stars goalkeeper added that Alpha Onyango felt humbled by the compliment, especially coming from a player competing in England, and reiterated his belief that the midfielder possesses exceptional ability comparable to Osborne Monday in his prime.

According to Farouk Shikhalo, Alpha Onyango is an exceptional talent and he has the potential to that like Osborne Monday in his prime.

“Alpha is a good friend of mine, and he came to my place on that day and told me that Yankuba Minteh followed him after the match and told him he does not deserve to play in the Kenya Premier League,” he added.

“Alpha told me he felt bad because Minteh plays in England, and he is the one who told me that. Alpha is a top talent, and I see Osborne Monday at his prime age.”

Farouk Shikhalo expressed optimism that Alpha Onyango would rise above the recent setbacks and use the experience as motivation to push for greater heights in his career.

He emphasised that despite the disappointment, the midfielder’s talent and determination would eventually open bigger opportunities beyond the Kenyan Premier League.