Bonphas Munyasa: How Murang'a Seal keeper rose from double rejection to Harambee Stars selection

Bonphas Munyasa's monumental rise to capturing the attention of Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is a true definition of turning rejection into opportunity.

The Murang'a Seal shot-stopper was named in the provisional squad alongside Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police) and Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari) who are expected to represent the country in the Four-Nations tournament set to take place in Malawi from 18-26 March.

"Shot stopper, Bonphas Munyasa has earned a call-up to the senior national team, Harambee Stars. Congrats, Boni.

Go show them what the Seals are made of," Murang'a Seal, which is sponsored by SportPesa, posted after the provisional squad was announced.

Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 32 Million SportPesa Midweek Jackpot

Suffering Rejection

However, his journey towards earning a call-up was not all flowery. At some point, the promising goalkeeper, who was the keeper of the year in the National Super League in 2021, was on the verge of going clubless before Murang'a Seal saw his potential and grabbed him.

In a short span in 2023, Munyasa was dropped by both Sofapaka and Kenya Police, two top-flight teams in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

Speaking to SportPesa News after landing his maiden call-up, the goalkeeper noted that he never gave up despite being rejected and kept his head high with the hope of attracting new suitors.

“I started with Police when they were promoted to the topflight in 2021/2022 and then I was sent to Sofapaka in March 2023. While at the club, I was also dropped.

The decision was attributed to financial constraints and that the club had a different project. I didn't feel bad because I knew my chance was somewhere else. So I decided to move on happily," the goalkeeper told SportPesa News.

ALSO READ: Presidential visit to Ruto revives AFC Leopards' dreamy plans to build own stadium

Seal which booked a place in the table of men after finishing second behind Shabana FC in the 22/23 National Super League season then acquired the services of the talented goalkeeper around August 2023.

“I went home for a week then I received a call from Murang'a Seal. They briefed me about their project and then I agreed to put a pen to paper," Munyasa noted.

At Seals, Munyasa secured a regular starting slot and proved his goal-stopping prowess by keeping the team alive in several FKF Premier games.

His recent form has been impressive after keeping consecutive clean sheets in the matches against Bidco United and KCB before helping his side to a 1-2 win over former side Sofapaka.

His hopes at Harambee Stars 

His stellar performances have since earned him a call to represent the country in the upcoming tournament which Munyasa considers a big boost to his career.

However, he will have to battle it out with other goalkeepers including Otieno, who plies his trade for Zambian side Zesco United, Kenya Police's Matasi, who is a regular starter for the national team, and Bryne who has recently been the preferred starter.

Munyasa told SportPesa News that he is up to the task despite facing stiff competition from the other goalkeepers as he made it clear that he is ready to battle it out for the number one spot in the Malawi tournament.

"National team experience is okay but this is just an introduction to new tactics and drills. From my experience, nothing has changed because with the goalkeepers I am up against, we have faced in the local league games," he added.

ALSO READ: Man Utd fightback ends Liverpool's quadruple quest in FA Cup classic

Future ambitions

Munyasa is keen to play abroad. The goalkeeper revealed to SportPesa News that he is eager to grow his goalkeeping career beyond the Kenyan borders.

Without revealing his preferred destinations, Munyasa insisted that he has kept his options wide open.

"My dream is to go out and play professional football. Any chance I get, I would be open to it," he insisted.

Nonetheless, his key focus at the moment is to help Murang’a Seal become a dominant force in the Kenyan football arena.

Seal are currently eleventh on the log on 31 points, nine clear of the relegation places with ten games remaining before the 23/24 campaign draws to a close.

ALSO READ: Desert domination: Alcaraz tops Medvedevto defend Indian Wells title

Harambee Stars Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco-Zambia), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Bonphas Munyasa (Muranga Seal)

Defenders

Collins Sichenje (AIK-Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Reims-France), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela-Portugal), Dennis Ng’ang’a (Zanaco Zambia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg-Denmark), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Eric Ouma (Rakow-Poland)

Midfielders

Alphonce Omija (Dhofar-Oman), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Aalborg-Denmark), Anthony Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), David Sakwa (Bandari), Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Sebail-Azeberijan), Eric Johanna  (UTA-Romania), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia).

Forwards

John Avire (Sekka), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia)

Player Bio

2021 – National Super League Goalkeeper of the Year

2021/2022 – Joins Kenya Police from APS Bomet

March 2023 - Joins Sofapaka

August 2023 - Joins Kenya Police 

ALSO READ: SportPesa launch revolutionary Tujiamini Initiative to nurture talent