Shabana FC Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama has called on Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy to immediately include Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Chris Onyango in the national team, insisting that his current form deserves recognition.
Kerama believes the midfielder has done enough to earn a place in the national team and argues that players should be selected based on their performances.
His remarks come after Onyango produced another moment of brilliance on Sunday, November 8, 2026, scoring a stunning late equaliser to rescue a point for Gor Mahia in their 1-1 draw against Nairobi United in a SportPesa League encounter at Wang’uru Stadium.
With Gor Mahia trailing 1-0 after Joseph Seremba had given Nairobi United the lead, Onyango stepped up in the 88th minute, taking advantage of goalkeeper Bernard Jairo being off his line before unleashing a spectacular effort from distance to send the ball into the back of the net.
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The goal denied Nairobi United their first league victory of the season and ensured Gor Mahia avoided another defeat after losing their previous league match 2-1 to Coach Matano’s KCB.
It was Onyango’s fifth goal in six SportPesa League appearances this season, taking his tally to five goals and one assist. His contribution has been particularly impressive for a midfielder, with the Gor Mahia star proving to be a threat from long-range efforts and open play.
Onyango had earlier opened his league account in Gor Mahia’s 4-2 victory over Murang’a SEAL on October 13 at Nyayo National Stadium, scoring from a free kick in the fourth minute. He was also on target in the 1-0 victory over APS Bomet on October 17 at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, netting the decisive goal in the 84th minute after receiving an assist from Ben Stanley.
His latest strike against Nairobi United has further strengthened his case for national team consideration.
Kerama was direct in his appeal, taking to social media to demand that the Gor Mahia midfielder be rewarded for his performances.
“Club rivalries aside. Reward performance on merit. Alpha Onyango’s current form deserves national recognition. JUSTICE FOR ALPHA ONYANGO! IMMEDIATE HARAMBEE STARS CALL-UP!” Kerama wrote.
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Interestingly, Onyango had initially been included in McCarthy’s provisional squad for Kenya’s November 2026 AFCON 2027 qualifying double-header against South Africa but was dropped when the coach named his final 24-man squad.
Harambee Stars are scheduled to face Bafana Bafana on Friday, November 13, at Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg, with kick-off set for 7:00 pm EAT.
The return fixture will be played on Tuesday, November 17, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 pm EAT.
Despite missing out on the final squad, Onyango’s recent performances have continued to attract attention, with his omission raising questions among fans who believe he deserves another opportunity to represent the country.
The midfielder is not new to the national team setup and has already enjoyed several memorable moments in Harambee Stars colours.
He will go down in Kenyan football history as the first player to captain Harambee Stars to a victory under McCarthy. Onyango wore the captain’s armband when Kenya defeated Chad 2-1 in an international friendly played in Morocco on June 10.
He also made history at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, becoming the first Kenyan player to win the Man of the Match award at the tournament. He received the recognition following Kenya’s 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their opening group-stage encounter.
His football journey began at Makongeni Sports Association (MASA) while he was still a pupil at St John’s Primary School. He later continued developing his talent at Makongeni Elite before making appearances for 1,000 Street FC in various local tournaments.
His performances at grassroots level earned him a scholarship to Kakamega School, where he continued to develop as a footballer.
Gor Mahia identified his potential and signed him in 2017 while he was still a student at the school. In the same year, he earned his first Harambee Stars call-up under former head coach Stanley Okumbi ahead of friendly matches against Mauritania and Togo.
However, Onyango had to wait until 2019 to make his senior debut for Gor Mahia because of his academic commitments. He spent two years featuring for the club’s youth team before finally making the step up to the senior side and has played an important role at the club winning a number of titles with Kogalo.
With five goals and an assist in six league appearances, the Gor Mahia midfielder is enjoying one of his most productive spells in front of goal. His ability to influence matches, contribute defensively and provide leadership makes him an important figure for the record Kenyan champions.
Whether McCarthy will reconsider his decision in future selections remains to be seen, but Kerama’s message reflects a growing sentiment among those who believe that current form should count when national team selections are made.