Kenya U20 captain Amos Wanjala has revealed dreams of scaling the top football levels in his blossoming football career.
Wanjala, who named Antonio Rudiger, Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk and Arsenal’s William Saliba as his role models, recently signed with Spanish fifth tier side Athletic Club Torrellano.
He was part of the U20 team that made history by qualifying for the U20 AFCON 2025, becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for the continental tournament.
His career has been on an upward trajectory since completing his high school education at St. Antony’s Boys Kitale.
Last year, he received a scholarship to Nastic Sports Academy, where he further developed his football career before signing his first professional contract in Spain this year.
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Last month, Wanjala earned his first senior call-up to the national team for the COSAFA championship in South Africa for the two last fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia where Kenya got eliminated.
At just 19, Wanjala is determined to become one of the best in his position, inspired by the performances of his role models whom he tries to emulate in terms of their leadership, dedication and style of play.
“My dream is to play at the highest levels of football. I look at my role models like Saliba, van Dijk, Rudiger and I dream to get to where they are at the moment.
I love how they play, their leadership and their dedication on the field which inspires me a lot every day. One day, I would want to be the best player in my position, and with hard work and determination, it is possible,” Wanjala told Telecomasia.
He also spoke about the impact of his move to Spain, which has not only changed his football career but also his personal life.
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“There has been so much to learn in the short period that I have been here. As a person, I have really grown—not just in terms of how I look at football, but life in general. In football, I have improved a lot in my defending, communication, and overall development of my skills,” he said.
Wanjala believes his move to Spain will have a positive impact on his career, and he is determined to continue improving.
“It is a really positive move for me because I believe it will set the foundation for what lies ahead in my career. I love it so far, and I have settled in quite well.
I believe the good start is a sign of better things to come. I want to learn as much as I can, improve myself, and get ready for the next step,” he added.
Wanjala is also optimistic about the U-20 team’s chances in the upcoming U20 AFCON taking place next year, believing their strong team chemistry will help them succeed.
“We are all proud as a team and now the ambition is to go to the Cup of Nations perform well, show what we can do as a country, and achieve something. We have a good team and we have what it takes. We have been together since the Under-18 level, and I believe this will give us more strength,” he concluded.
Amos Wanjala in action for Harambee Stars
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