Harambee Stars debutant reveals encouraging message from coach Firat

Tusker's midfielder Chrsipine Erambo has revealed what coach Engin Firat told him after his first call-up with Harambee Stars.

Erambo was summoned for national duties during the last FIFA international break and took part in the Four-Nations tournament. The 19-year-old went on to play against Malawi and Zimbabwe as Kenya lifted the non-competitive trophy in Lilongwe, Malawi.

"He is a very friendly coach who encourages you and shows confidence in you.

"One of the important things that he told me, which stuck, was the affirmation that he handed me the call-up on merit and not as a favour. He told me to be confident in myself, which is a good thing for a player.

"He told me that I have the potential to become a good player, and I want to thank him for the call-up, the chance to play for the national team, and I'm looking forward to more," Erambo told a local sports show.

Apart from playing twice for Harambee Stars, although he did not last long in the second game before he was substituted for Kenneth Muguna, Erambo hopes to be a regular part of the Stars' future lineups.

"I will keep working as hard as I used to and hope that I get that call-up again. I have tasted national team football, and I want more," the midfielder added.

The Tusker's new signing also revealed how he was welcomed by fellow players at Harambee Stars.

"Firstly, it was (Teddy) Akumu. He encouraged me because, when we arrived at camp, he was already there, and he was the first person that I interacted with. He had some encouraging words for me.

"A number of players also talked to me, especially after I was named on the starting team. They said I was lucky to start in my first call-up, and generally, it was a good experience,” he continued.

Hopes

Since he arrived at Tusker, he has been a key figure for coach Robert Matano, and this earned him his debut call-up and appearance.

He can only hope to be better in order to increase his chances of making it into the national set-up for future assignments.

"I was confident that I would play for the national team when I signed for Tusker because playing in the top flight gives you that edge.

"I think when you play in the top flight, you have a 50% chance, and the rest is up to you to work hard," Erambo added.