'Come meet Benni McCarthy' – Taiwo Atieno urges Tottenham star to ditch England for Kenya

Taiwo Atieno has advised Djed Spence to ditch England for Kenya.

'Come meet Benni McCarthy' – Taiwo Atieno urges Tottenham star to ditch England for Kenya

Abigael Wafula 16:24 - 31.03.2025

Taiwo Atieno has urged Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence to visit Kenya and meet Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy before deciding on his international future.

Former Harambee stars player Taiwo Atieno has advised Djed Spence to give Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars following his recent revelation on Rio Ferdinand’s Presents show.

The England-born retired Kenyan international explained that he was once in a situation like that of Djed Spence and noted that coming down to Kenya and meeting Benni McCarthy would aid in making an informed decision since he will have experienced both ends of football.

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The 24-year-old has very limited time to make a final decision but as things stand, his focus is on making England’s national team, something Taiwo Atieno believes is not the best decision for him.

“But as someone who once walked the same path of dual heritage in South London, I believe now is the right time to offer a different perspective - one shaped by experience,” Taiwo Atieno said as quoted by Flashscore.

“Firstly, I would encourage Djed to come meet Benni McCarthy, and experience Kenya before making his decision on which national team to represent.

“This important step in his career should be made with a fully informed view - not just based on surface-level assumptions.”

He added that football in Kenya is growing steadily and it would be a great experience for Djed Spence. Taiwo Atieno added that there is more to just playing football on the pitch nowadays and the Tottenham star should be careful about the decision he makes.

The 39-year-old added that in England, many talented players are fighting for slots to represent the nation and it might take time for Djed Spence to finally earn the call-up.

“Unlike England, where the depth of talent, especially at wingbacks, often keeps even Premier League regulars on the fringes, Kenya offers Djed a chance to become a central figure - not just on the pitch, but in shaping the future of Kenyan football,” he added.

Taiwo Atieno strongly believes that Djed Spence has the ability to shine in Kenya and land greater ambassadorial deals than he would have if he chose to stay in England.

He insisted that Spence has an upper hand in writing history, something that is almost impossible in England where there are thousands of extremely talented football players.

"While endorsements in the UK are highly competitive, in Kenya and East Africa he could become a household name - not just as a footballer, but as a brand, a movement, and a symbol of dual identity done right.

“My point is Djed should consider Kenya because he could write a story into the history books that hasn’t been written yet and leave a football legacy, during a post-career that is nearly impossible to obtain in England.”

Djed Spence currently plays as a full-back for Tottenham Hotspur after signing with the club in July 2022. He has also played on loan for Genoa, Leeds United, and Rennes. He was also a notable player for Nottingham Forest.