'He will be a huge asset for Kenya' - Mara Sugar coach backs free-scoring full back for Harambee Stars call-up

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'He will be a huge asset for Kenya' - Mara Sugar coach backs free-scoring full back for Harambee Stars call-up

Mark Kinyanjui 14:09 - 02.03.2025

Okwenda has now scored six goals from full back already in his first top flight season, carrying his form from last season in the National Super League onto the FKFPL.

Mara Sugar head coach Benedict Wanjala has urged incoming Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy to consider calling up Joseph Okwenda to the national team following the full-back's impressive form in his debut top-flight season.

Okwenda found the back of the net during Mara Sugar’s 1-1 draw with Sofapaka at the Dandora Stadium on Saturday, continuing his rich vein of form.

 The defender had previously scored twice against Webuye in the FKF Cup round of 64 the previous weekend. With his goal tally now at six for the season, Okwenda has emerged as one of the most prolific defenders in the league, seamlessly transitioning into a more attacking role.

Okwenda has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water, continuing his impressive form from last season in the National Super League.

 Last season, He scored two goals and provided nine assists in the National Super League.

Speaking after the draw, Wanjala lauded Okwenda’s adaptability and determination. The marauding full-back was deployed at left-back against Sofapaka, an unusual position for the natural right-back, yet he delivered an outstanding performance.

The Mara Sugar tactician believes Okwenda’s goal contributions as a defender make him a strong candidate for a Harambee Stars call-up.

“It is high time he got considered for the national team,” Wanjala told Pulse Sports. “In the NSL, he was one of the top goal contributors among defenders, and in the Premier League, he is proving to be just as dangerous in front of goal.”

Okwenda’s ability to adapt to different roles has also impressed his coach, who sees his versatility as a crucial asset.

“He is a humble guy with the right attitude. I played him at left-back even though he’s naturally a right-back, and he embraced the challenge positively. That’s the kind of mentality that sets him apart,” Wanjala explained.

 “He scored twice last week and found the net again today, proving his consistency. I urge the national team coaches to take a closer look at him because he could be a huge asset for Kenya.”

Meanwhile, Wanjala expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance against Sofapaka, particularly considering their recent struggles on the road.

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Sofapaka took the lead in the 45th minute through Edward Ondimo, but Mara Sugar responded swiftly in the second half, with Okwenda netting the equalizer in the 53rd minute. The result mirrored their previous encounter on November 24, 2024, which also ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

“Away games have been tough for us. The good thing is that we’ve picked up two points from our last two away matches, which is encouraging,” Wanjala stated.

 “Sofapaka is an established Premier League team, while we are still finding our feet in the division. Getting results like this is crucial as we aim to solidify our status.”

Wanjala, who returned to the club in January following the departure of George Midenyo, emphasized the importance of consistency.

“We’ve struggled to generate consistency, but that’s something we’re working on. I’d rather get a point each game than suffer losses, and that’s the mindset I want to instill in my players,” he added.

With Okwenda continuing to shine, Mara Sugar will hope their standout full-back catches the eye of the national team selectors.

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