Nairobi, Kenya – Former Kenya national team striker Taiwo Atieno don urge Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence make dem consider play for Harambee Stars instead of England or Jamaica. Spence, wey dey 24 years and primarily dey play full-back, still get chance to represent Kenya, as him born to Kenyan mama and Jamaican papa for the UK.
Atieno don send this passionate appeal after coach Benni McCarthy show interest in Spence for the team. Spence earn him first international call-up for the under-21 squad back in March 2022 for the European Championship Qualifiers and make him debut as substitute during one 3-0 victory. But e never play for England senior team, wey make am still eligible to represent any of the three nations.
Atieno, wen also face similar dilemma before, don public say it dey very key for Spence to think about Kenyan football. “I declare my desire to play for Kenya at age 13,” Atieno talk. “But I had to renounce my British citizenship to secure Kenyan passport, and that one no easy,” he explained. But Kenyan constitution allow dual citizenship, wey give Atieno opportunity to join Harambee Stars for the 2009 World Cup qualifiers.
Atieno don highlight the struggles of players like Spence, saying he fit become central figure for Kenya if he decide to play for the country. “England get too much talent, even Premier League stars dey fight for place. For Kenya, Djed fit become star and help shape the future of our football.”
In a recent interview, Spence talk say he dey focus on making him mark for England, saying: “Who no wan represent their country? I go keep working hard.” Even as he focused on England, Atieno still believe say switching allegiance fit provide Spence with bigger opportunity.
Atieno also mention the benefits of playing for Kenya, explaining say it’s not just about football but about culture, influence and legacy. “Football for Kenya dey transform, and this one no be just game, e dey link to how we fit change lives and inspire generations,” he added.
He believe say if Spence choose Kenya, e fit become captain and role model, especially with the national team ambition to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup. “If Djed fit make this choice, he go lead a golden generation and create new history for Kenyan football,” Atieno emphasized.
As Spence dey contemplate dis important decision, Atieno don encourage am to spend time with Benni McCarthy and understand the vision of Kenyan football. “This decision dey crucial. Make sure say you get proper information before you choose,” he advise.
Atieno conclude by saying: “Representing Kenya no be just career choice, na legacy decision. In England, Djed go just be one of many, but in Kenya, he go become national icon and inspire millions. This na chance wey no plenty people fit get.”
