Senaji called into Harambee Stars’ squad to face Ivory Coast

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defender, Clyde Senaji Navade has returned to the Kenya National Team after a long time as Coach, Engin Firat has decided to include him in his squad that will face the African Cup of Nations Champions at Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday.

The Harambee Stars, missed the chance to go second on the table in Group A of the World Cup Qualifiers after Burundi battled back to play a 1-all draw on Friday. The draw leaves Kenya third in their group with four points from three matches, while Burundi sits fourth with the same number of points.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

• 
  Chaomba, Jackson stub as Creck crack Bullets’ title ambitions
• 
  Shema scores late as Silver punish innocent Civil again

Ahead of their crucial game, Kenya announced the return of Senaji who has regained his form since joining FCB Nyasa Big Bullets last year.

“Nyasa Big Bullets defender Clyde Senaji has been called up to the Harambee Stars squad ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup Qualifier against Ivory Coast,” announces the Association.

Senaji made his debut for Kenya in 2021 against Togo in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers and the then Coach, Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee singled out the former AFC Leopards center-back Clyde Senaji for special acknowledgment, saying the defender impressed a great deal in Lome.

The center-back secured his maiden senior call-up under the wire, exactly a day before Stars traveled to Togo. He was briskly summoned to fit in the shoes of Wazito’s Johnstone Omurwa, who was suspended after picking a straight red against the Pharaohs of Egypt at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.

“I believe talent is talent. I’m very proud of our local boys as well as Football Kenya Federation Premier League, who allowed us to select good players,” observed Mulee. “If you are a good player and you are in a tough league, you can be called to play for the national team anytime.”

Soon after joining Bullets on a free transfer, Senaji became the defensive pillar for Kalisto Pasuwa’s side and his main ambition was to return to the National Team.

The third-born in a family of four boys and two girls, Senaji was born on June 26, 1996, in Kariokor, Nairobi County.

On the pitch, Senaji is a committed defender who literally puts his head in the lion’s mouth to fend off menacing inroads from marauding opponents.

Besides, he is also as sly as a fox. He employs his exceptional technical expertise to confound and expose opponents to agonizing public ridicule by pulling off cheeky stunts on them.

“I want to return to the National Team and I will fight for it,” said Senaji in an interview with Wa Ganyu last year. He guided Bullets to four trophies last season, playing part in all the five competitions that the Club played.

His performance at Bullets prompted former Captain, Chimango Kayira to praise him saying he displayed unparalleled skill and dedication on the field, yet his brilliance remained under-celebrated in Kenya.

“There are many center backs in our elite division who are doing commendably well for their teams, but Senaji stands out like a beacon. He doesn’t recklessly lose possession. Even when high-pressed by aggressive strikers, his composure is unparalleled,” said Kayira in a heartfelt post on his Facebook page.

“I have witnessed him on numerous occasions driving the ball forward, covering about 50 meters, and seamlessly transitioning the team into an attack.

“It’s an age-old bias where players in foreign countries often find it harder to earn local recognition. But this boy’s talents shouldn’t be overshadowed by his nationality. If he were a Malawian, I’m confident he’d be held in the same esteem as legends like Peter Mjojo Mponda. He might even have been bestowed with the captain’s armband,” Kayira opined.