Mara Sugar defender Joseph Okwenda has outlined his strategy to make Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars squad for CHAN 2024 with ambitious targets.
Mara Sugar’s Joseph Okwenda has outlined his strategy to win the eye of Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) set to take place in August.
Okwenda has been making waves in Kenyan football with his impressive performances and goal scoring knack despite being a fullback.
Also known for his versatility, Okwenda has transitioned seamlessly from the National Super League (NSL) to the FKF Premier League.
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He has been a standout player, contributing significantly to his team’s efforts, including scoring six goals in all competitions in his debut top-flight season.
Okwenda’s ability to adapt to different roles on the field has earned him praise from his coach, Benedict Wanjala, who believes he could be a valuable asset for the Harambee Stars.
Wanjala previously highlighted Okwenda’s consistency and goal-scoring prowess, even as a defender, as key attributes that set him apart.
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Speaking following their 1-1 draw with Sofapaka last weekend, Okwenda, who found the back of the net to salvage a point for the Sugarmen, explained his versatility after being asked to play in an unorthodox left back role.
“I take it as a positive because the only difference between both flanks is the fact that one side is the left and the other is the right. You train how you play and hope for the best,” Okwenda told Pulse Sports.
Okwenda is targeting a good chance to make the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming CHAN 2024, and he will be fancying his chances considering players like Ronney Onyango of Gor Mahia may miss it should his trial in Norway turn out successful..
The full back however knows that he is going to have to do something extraordinary to catch McCarthy’s eye, considering the stature of club he is playing for.
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In this situation, he wants to keep finding the back of the net, considering he scored several goals in the National Super League last season before promotion to the top flight.
“I want to score 15 goals in order to earn that kind of recognition. You might be playing well but you are conceding, but when you score goals, you get recognised.”
Meanwhile, Okwenda has explained what the club must do if it is to avoid relegation back into the NSL at the first time of asking, with the club struggling alot of late after a strong opening start to the season.
“The coach told us that we are the ones who put ourselves in this situation, and that we are the only ones who can get out of it.
“The window has been shut, so we are the only ones who can really sort ourselves out.”
Okwenda has also explained the differences between the NSL and the top flight league, hilariously explaining why the FKFPL is sensationally an easier league to play than the second tier.
“The NSL is difficult because in the Premier League, you can mark spaces, which you do not see in the National Super League, where there is too much competition and there is barely any space to express yourself.”
