William Lenkupae explains why he chose to represent Kenya despite being eligible to represent another country.
Harambee Stars midfielder William Lenkupae has opened up about how a conversation with new Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy convinced him to opt representing Kenya.
The energetic midfielder was eligible to play for Harambee Stars by virtue of one of his parents being Kenyan. Born and raised in Australia, the midfielder had not yet represented his country of birth at any youth level, which obviously gave him a good chance to fully declare his allegiance for Harambee Stars.
The 23-year-old capable of playing either on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder, said McCarthy’s idea of football made his decision easy.
Mohammed Bajaber was a shing light in Harambee Stars 3-3 draw against The Gambia but how did he perform at the Alassane Quattara Stadium in Ivory Coast?
“I spoke to the coach, you know, he put a good idea in my head and I thought this is perfect for me. I’ve always been in touch with this place,” Lenkupae, who plays for Central Coast Marinners, said.
Lenkupae came on as a second half substitute against Gambia but marked his debut at the Alassane Quattaraa Stadium with a goal. He scored barely with the last kick of the ball and his goal handed Benni McCarthy‘s Harambee Stars a priceless point.
)
Gabon forward Denis Bouanga has put Harambee Stars on notice ahead of vital 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Reminiscing the moment, Lenkupae, who scored his first A-League goal during an F3 Derby match in November 2023 in the 3-1 win over Newcastle Jets, said it was the proudest moment of his entire career to date.
“I was an an amazing achievement for myself. it was like a dream come true to be fair. My family at home was very happy, and the family I have here as well were happy as well, so it was a great achievement and great memory for me to take back to Australia.”
)
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy still has hopes of clinching a World Cup place despite a draw away to the Gambia as he looks to freshen up the team for Gabon on Sunday.
Lenkupae added that Sunday’s match represents another opportunity to showcase what he likes doing best. He insisted that he always had the Kenyan connection and will be greatful to play infront of his family. “My father’s here, family’s here, uncle’s here, so I’ve always had that connection. So I just knew that this is gonna be a great team and I’d love to be a part of it and yeah, I’m grateful that I am at this moment.”
The box-to-box midfielder is a ball carrier and his versility is an asset that suits the way Benni McCarthy wants his charges to play. It remains to be seen if the South African will hand Lenkupae a starting role against Gabon or come on as a substitute for a second consecutive match.
