Rising Kenyan sensation Aldrine Kibet has expressed immense joy after receiving his first-ever call-up to the Harambee Stars squad for international friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal scheduled for November 14 and 18 respectively, in Antalya, Turkey.
The 18-year-old, who plays for Celta Vigo’s U19 side in Spain, described the moment as a dream come true.
“I feel so great. It’s been a dream, and now it’s coming true, so I’m very happy to represent the country and play for Harambee Stars,” Kibet said.
Aldrine Kibet receives maiden Harambee Stars callup
The former St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale star has had a remarkable month, marking several milestones in quick succession.
His Celta Vigo U-19 team currently sits at the top of the Spanish U19 Division, and just last weekend, the teenager had his first training session with Celta’s senior team under head coach Claudio Giráldez.
To crown it all, he received his first senior call-up to represent Kenya all within a span of 30 days.
For Kibet, the call-up came much earlier than expected. The youngster revealed that his initial target was to break into the senior national team in 2027, with hopes of featuring in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
“It’s come early for real,” he admitted. “I had a goal of making it to the senior team in 2027, ready for the AFCON, and this has come earlier than expected, which makes me very excited and happy.”
Father’s prediction surpassed
Kibet further revealed that his father had always envisioned his first call-up happening around 2027, but his progress and consistency have accelerated that timeline.
“While growing up, I have always had goals in football and one of them was to play for Kenya,” he said. “It has been my main motivation. Even my dad used to tell me that I’d probably get my first call-up in 2027, but now it has happened much earlier. It is exciting and truly special.”
Recalling the moment he got the news, Kibet said it took him a while to believe it was real.
“I got a message from the team manager that I’d been called up to play for Kenya. That day, I was in disbelief. I even went online to check which games we would be playing, and that’s when it hit me that this was true.”
As he joins the Harambee Stars camp Kibet is eager to make his debut and contribute to the team’s success.
“The players in the camp are talented, but I’m eyeing a debut and hopefully scoring goals too,” he added confidently.
Kenya will open their friendly campaign against Equatorial Guinea on November 14 at the Emir Complex before facing African heavyweights Senegal on November 18 at the Mardan Stadium.
For Kibet, these matches could mark the beginning of what promises to be a bright international career for one of Kenya’s most exciting young prospects.