Highly-rated Kenyan youngster recounts tough debut against Spanish giants Barcelona

Immediate former Harambee Stars U18 captain Amos Wanjala has recalled the tough test he faced on his debut for the Gimnastic de Tarragona U19 team when they squared up against Barcelona U19.

Wanjala, who has now been promoted to the Tarragona U19 side noted that Barcelona's encounter was a real test of professionalism in what was just his first match.

Although they lost 4-2, Wanjala who captained Kenya's Junior Stars at the 2023 CECAFA U18 Championship noted that the clash was an eye-opener for him as he kickstarted the journey towards his professional career.

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“It was a big game and it was my debut here. I was quite tense because it was my first game for Tarragona and I was playing a big game against Barcelona.

The experience of brushing shoulders with Barcelona players was really good, a surreal experience. Though we lost 4-2 it was an eye-opener,” he said in an interview with Citizen.

“Barcelona are a formidable team, walitutesa (they gave us a hard time. I came on in the second half and it was quite a good feeling. I am learning new things day by day and I am loving it here in Spain)," the rising ace added.

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How Wanjala landed in Spain

Before jetting out of the country, Wanjala was at St Antony Boys Kitale. The Spanish side scouted him during the 2023 Kenya Secondary School Sports Association Games.

He was part of the St Anthony Boys High School squad that thrashed Dagoretti High School at Bukhungu Stadium to clinch the national title in August 2023.

Aldrine Kibet hit a superb double as St Anthony Boys swept to a sixth national football title after defeating Dagoretti High 2-0. After the win, he received a call-up letter from Nastic Academy.

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“I don’t know how they came across my details, it was just God, I have to say. Nastic is good in terms of academics and sport.

We pursue our academics as well as football. The experience here is really good, the food is good, everything is provided. It is just for you to work hard and the future is bright,” Wanjala stated

Besides soccer, Wanjala is currently enrolled at the Nastic Sports University studying Global Sports and Business Management.

He hopes not only to use his talent to help Harambee Stars but also inspire other budding footballers in the country.

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