Ulinzi Stars winger Boniface Muchiri has offered valuable advice to the young, upcoming players called up to the national team for the ongoing Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.
Recently, the former Tusker FC player has been in exceptional form, and his impressive performances this season have earned him a call-up to the national team after a three-year absence.
The last time Muchiri represented the national team was in 2021, but in October 2024, he made a return when then-national team head coach Engin Firat selected him for the match against Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
As Muchiri continued his stellar form, he secured a place in the final 24-man squad led by Francis Kimanzi.
Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 397 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot
The 28-year-old, following an outstanding performance in the opening match against Burkina Faso, where he contributed to the first goal acknowledged that while every player gave their all, the results were not in their favor.
“Everyone played well in Saturday’s clash, despite not securing the maximum points. I believe it is a positive start and the results provide us with a clear direction for the next fixture,” Muchiri said after their training session on Sunday evening.
Muchiri also offered words of wisdom to emerging players like Kelly Madada of AFC Leopards who made his debut in that game and James Kinyanjui who scored in the match.
“For the young players who made their debut like Kinyanjui with his goal and Kelly Madada I can say this is just a stepping stone for them. They should not become complacent. They must remain humble and continue working hard,” Muchiri advised.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia quartet reinforce Harambee Stars as Kimanzi confident of turning things around
Other young players include Ryan Ogam of Tusker FC the current top scorer in the Kenya Premier League, and 21-year-old Nairobi City Stars midfielder Mohamed Bajaber.
Muchiri encouraged these youngsters, reminding them that this is merely the beginning of their journey, and only relentless effort will guarantee them a permanent place in the national team.
“This is not the end, they are just starting their journey at the national team level. They must keep working hard to maintain their spots and earn more opportunities to represent the country,” Muchiri concluded.
ALSO READ: Burkina Faso’s late strike denies Harambee Stars victory in 2025 Mapinduzi Cup