Blackberry and Muguna brilliant in international debut

Gor Mahia midfield ace Kenneth Muguna played his first international match in a friendly match against Mozambique on Sunday. Muguna made the starting line-up and was impressive and national team coach Stanley Okumbi was elated at Muguna’s performance.

“Muguna was brilliant, especially in the first half. He has great confidence and it is like he has been in the team for long. The best thing is that we are introducing many players at this level, which is good for the team,” the coach told Soka.co.ke

Muguna was satisfied with his performance.
“It was an honour to make my national team debut yesterday against Mozambique. An important step and a great learning experience. Thanks for your support. Always,” he said on his social media pages.

Also in action was George Odhiambo Blackberry who was making a return to the national team after several years. Odhiambo first made his international debut as far back as 2008 when he was barely out of secondary school. At the time, he and Kevin Omondi, both recent school leavers, were seen as the most promising players in Kenya But whereas Blackberry has resuscitated his career, Omondi has disappeared into oblivion.

The match ended 1-1. Sweden-based Eric Johanna scored for Kenya in the 85th minute to cancel out Domingues Pelembe’s 59th minute goal.

Harambee Stars XI: Patrick Matasi (GK), David Owino (C), Joakins Atudo, Aboud Omar, David Ochieng, Kenneth Muguna, Anthony Akumu, George Odhiambo, Clifton Miheso, Eric Johanna and Jesse Were.

Subs: Fredrick Otinda (GK), Robinson Kamura, Victor Asembeka, John Makwatta, Timothy Otieno, Boniface Muchiri, Daniel Otieno, Brian Mandela and Victor Majid.

Olunga to play in La Liga

Former Gor Mahia attacker Michael Olunga is set to play in Spain’s top tier with Girona FC.  Olunga will be temporarily leaving the Chinese league where his sojourn did not work out as expected.

“Michael Olunga joined Girona FC in the last hours of the transfer window, joining on loan for one season from Guizhou in China,” tweeted the Swedish based agent and founder of Global Soccer Management that handles Olunga among many others players.

Girona, which was promoted to La Liga at the end of the 2016/17 season, also the acquisition.

“Olunga will complete the Girona attack on the historic premiere of the team in the highest category of Spanish football. The player joins Guizhou Zhicheng of the Chinese Superliga,” a statement on the club portal read.

Olunga becomes the second Kenyan to play in La Liga after MacDonald Mariga.