Born in England to a Jamaican father and Kenyan mother, Djed Spence’s journey could soon include representing Harambee Stars.
Tottenham Hotspur’s young talent Djed Spence may finally be on the brink of fulfilling his immense potential with 2025 shaping up as the year he cements his place among football’s elite.
In a team navigating injuries and inconsistencies, Spence has emerged as a standout performer, showcasing his versatility and composure in uncharted roles.
Once written off, the 23-year-old might finally be fulfilling the promise he showed during Nottingham Forest’s memorable promotion campaign.
A shocking incident unfolded at Gombani Stadium as Michael Olunga and Eric Johana criticized controversial officiating in Harambee Stars’ loss.
But beyond his Premier League renaissance, could Spence’s rise also mean a new chapter for Kenya’s Harambee Stars?
Born in London, Spence’s family roots trace back to Kenya on his father’s side and Jamaica on his mother’s, giving him a rich cultural heritage.
His rise to prominence has been anything but smooth, yet his journey now offers hope that he might commit his international future to Kenya, a decision that could transform the nation’s football fortunes.
January has been Spence’s month so far, playing every minute for Spurs, not in his natural right-back position but as a left-back and even a center-back. His athleticism, prudent defending, and quality on the ball have been pivotal, particularly in Tottenham’s recent clean-sheet triumph over Liverpool, one of Europe’s most in-form teams. Watching him neutralize Mohamed Salah with apparent ease, fans might wonder why it has taken so long for Spence to get his due.
)
Kenya battled with ten men in a thrilling Mapinduzi Cup clash and the host now will now face Burkina Faso in the final.
Spence’s rise comes after years of struggle, as he acknowledged himself.
“Maybe he senses the opportunity to become… a starting player,” said Postecoglou last week as quoted by The New York Times.
The Spurs manager’s trust has seemingly unlocked Spence’s potential, marking a stark contrast to the bleak early years of his Tottenham career.
Signed in 2022, Spence was dismissed as a “club signing” by then-manager Antonio Conte and spent two seasons on the fringes, enduring three loan spells, including an early termination from Leeds United.
)
Kenya has produced many football talents, and Bradley Eloff’s journey from Kawangware to Spain highlights a promising new star.
Yet Spence’s talent has always been undeniable. The former Fulham academy player excelled at Middlesbrough before finding his groove under Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest, where his performances in the Championship playoff-winning season marked him as one of England’s brightest young players.
“Steve Cooper’s a good person, he understands people,” Spence said of his Forest mentor. “He just let me be me,” he added.
)
Rediscovering that freedom seems to be key to his resurgence at Tottenham. Spurs’ reliance on Spence this season might have come as a surprise, but his recent performances suggest he belongs in the starting lineup.
When injuries struck Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies, Spence seamlessly filled the void at left-back. Against Southampton, he made an immediate impact, creating a goal for James Maddison within the first minute.
Four days later, in a thrilling Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United, Spence delivered a stunning assist, chipping a pass over the top for Solanke.
However, his journey to becoming a Spurs regular has been far from straightforward. For much of this season, Spence was still an afterthought, left out of the Europa League squad and overshadowed by more established players like Udogie and Pedro Porro.
His breakthrough only came in December, and now he looks set for an extended run in the team. With Udogie sidelined by a hamstring injury, Spence has a golden opportunity to cement his place.
)
Blow for Stade Reims as their star defender departs in a Ksh 2.6 billion move to the Premier League.
The bigger question now is whether Spence’s newfound confidence will translate to the international stage.
With his dual eligibility for England and Kenya, Kenyan fans are hopeful he could don the Harambee Stars jersey.
For a nation striving to establish itself in African football, Spence’s Premier League experience and athleticism could be transformative.
Kenya’s former coach Engin Firat made it clear the door is open for Spence to join and with Michael Olunga leading the line, Spence could complete a formidable core for the national team.
Spence has yet to make a senior international appearance, meaning the decision is still his to make.
)
Former South Africa striker Benni McCarthy has been heavily linked with the Harambee Stars job but is it a ‘done deal’ as has been widely reported?
While England’s depth in the right-back position could limit his chances, Kenya offers an opportunity to become a national hero, following in the footsteps of other footballers who chose to represent their ancestral countries.
The pull of representing his mother’s homeland might resonate with Spence as he continues to mature both on and off the pitch.
For now, Spence’s focus remains on consolidating his place at Tottenham. With his athleticism, technical ability, and versatility, he has the tools to become a mainstay in Postecoglou’s team.
“He has the capacity to do that,” said Postecoglou, and Spurs fans are starting to believe it too.
Should Spence carry his current form through 2025, he could find himself not only as a key figure in Tottenham’s resurgence but also as a beacon for Kenya’s football aspirations.
The boy from London, with roots in Croydon, Jamaica, and Kenya, may yet find a way to leave his mark on both club and country. This could be the year Djed Spence proves his doubters wrong — and perhaps inspires a new generation of Kenyan footballers in the process.
