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The duo are among four players who received their maiden call ups to the national team.
Nzoia Sugar coach Salim Babu is hoping the inclusion of James Mwangi and Hassan Beja in Harambee Stars' preliminary squad for the upcoming International friendly match against Iran is a motivation for other players at the club.
Nzoia's rising stars were surprise inclusions in Engin Firat's preliminary squad for the friendly, where Harambee Stars will play against Team Melli in Tehran on March 28.
Midfielder Hassan Beja and playmaker James Mwangi received their maiden call in the national team after a productive season for the Sugar Millers.
"It motivates the team for the two players to be called to the national team. It is imperative as all players in the group will continue working hard to earn places in the national team.
Like any other coach, I am delighted they have been selected to the provisional squad," he said.
Beja, who is just 18 years old, is pacy and joined Nzoia from Lugulu on a long-term contract in 2021.
This season, the youngster has netted two goals and provided seven top-flight league assists.
On the other hand, Mwangi has found the back of the net seven times this season and has been instrumental at the club since 2020, when he joined from Nyahururu Griffons FC on a five-year contract.
Nzoia Sugar sits sixth on the FKF Premier League log with 35 points after 20 rounds of league matches, seven points adrift table leaders Gor Mahia.
They have only lost three matches this season, and the brand of football that they have been playing has equally been eye-catching.
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