Nairobi United youngster Kevin Otiende could not hide his joy after earning his maiden call-up to the Harambee Stars squad that will play two international friendly matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal in November 2025.
The young defender, who previously turned out for Rainbow FC, is among the latest additions to the national team setup.
He joins Gor Mahia’s Bryton Onyona and Shariff Musa in the list of new faces named in McCarthy’s final squad for the friendlies scheduled for November 14th, 2025, against Equatorial Guinea, and November 18th, 2025, against Senegal with both matches to be played in Antalya, Turkey.
Speaking after receiving the news, an elated Otiende described the moment as a dream come true.
“It feels great. I am happy and thankful to God, my teammates, and the entire technical bench,” he said.
“This is my first call-up. It felt like a miracle when I saw my name on the list. I’ve never received a call-up, not even with the junior teams like the U17s. Now being called to the senior team is truly God’s time,” he said.
The highly-rated defender will reunite with Austria-based attacker Ryan Ogam, who plies his trade with Wolfsberger AC.
Nairobi United youngster Kevin Otiende
The two previously shared the pitch at the now-defunct Rainbow FC and Otiende expressed his excitement at linking up with his former teammate once again.
“It feels great linking up with Ogam. He has been doing really well for the national team, so it will be amazing sharing the same dressing room with him once more,” Otiende said.
Despite acknowledging the stiff competition within the national team, the Nairobi United star remains optimistic and determined to make an impression on coach McCarthy and his technical staff.
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“The competition is high, but I want to give my all for the national team so that I can impress. I hope to add something valuable that will convince the technical bench to consider me for more call-ups,” he added.
Otiende’s inclusion in the Harambee Stars squad marks a major milestone in his young career and serves as an inspiration to many upcoming players in the local leagues.
With his talent, humility, and determination, the Nairobi United defender will be looking to make the most of this golden opportunity and cement his place in the national team setup.
