)
Kelly Madada made the final 24-man Harambee Stars squad for the Mapinduzi Cup, which is serving as a platform to help Francis Kimanzi identify the squad for the 2024 CHAN tournament.
AFC Leopards' rising star Kelly Madada has made headlines for his exceptional performances on the pitch, earning him a final spot in the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup.
For the young attacking midfielder, this opportunity represents more than just football—it’s a crucial step toward fulfilling his dream of turning professional to uplift his family.
Madada's rapid rise has been nothing short of impressive. The talented player needed only three consecutive starts in the FKF Premier League to catch the eye of interim coach Francis Kimanzi, who included him in the national team setup.
)
09:29 - 02.01.2025
Francis Kimanzi explains how Mapinduzi Cup is a ‘blessing’ for Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN tournament
Harambee Stars interim coach Francis Kimanzi has weighed in on the importance of the Mapinduzi Cup tournament to his squad while giving an assurance to the players who did not make it.
The Harambee Stars are preparing for the Mapinduzi Cup, scheduled from January 3rd to 13th in Zanzibar, before shifting focus to the 2024 CHAN tournament in February.
Reflecting on his selection, Madada expressed gratitude and outlined his ambitions. “I am happy to be in the team. I appreciate the opportunity as this is a platform that can easily get you a deal abroad. Turning professional has always been my dream; after all, I want to help my family," he said.
Joining the national team has provided Madada with a chance to train alongside some of Kenya’s finest footballers, an experience he considers both humbling and inspiring. He highlighted the significance of working with players like Kenneth Muguna, Austin Odhiambo, Abud Omar, and others.
)
16:04 - 21.12.2024
Kelly Madada on how AFC Leopards & Kenya U-20 teammate Hassan Beja is inspiring him as he targets 2025 Harambee Stars breakthrough
Harambee Stars midfielder Kelly Madada has explained how AFC Leopards and Kenya U-20 teammate Hassan Beja has inspired him following his breakthrough for Ingwe.
“Meeting the likes of Kenneth Muguna, Austin Odhiambo, and Abud Omar is a privilege. They are some of the biggest names in Kenyan football,” he remarked.
However, Madada is realistic about the challenges ahead. He acknowledges the stiff competition for playing time in the national team but sees it as an opportunity to grow. “I am privileged to train alongside some of the big names in Kenyan football. I am learning a lot from my seniors at club level and here in camp. I am not perfect, but through watching what they do, I will make it," he explained.
Madada's passion for football traces back to his school days at Shanderema Secondary School. He credits Kenyan football icons Dennis Oliech, Victor Wanyama, McDonald Mariga, and current captain Michael Olunga for inspiring him to pursue the sport.
“I fell for the game through following the stories of our legends. It has not been hard or easy. It becomes easy when you work hard and trust in God," he added.
Madada’s hunger to succeed goes beyond personal ambition. The midfielder sees football as a pathway to improve his family’s circumstances, a responsibility that fuels his drive to excel. With his inclusion in the Harambee Stars' provisional squad, Madada is not just chasing personal glory but also striving to make a lasting impact.
As Kenya prepares for the Mapinduzi Cup and CHAN 2024, fans will be watching closely to see if this determined young talent can rise to the occasion and set himself on the path to a professional career. For Madada, the journey is just beginning, but his vision is clear—work hard, make it abroad, and give back to the family that supported his dreams.
)
06:15 - 02.01.2025
'I am the best' - Shabana winger Brian Michira on the mentality that earned him Harambee Stars call-up
Michira, who has arguably been the FKF Premier League's best player so far this season, has opened up on the reasons behind his form that saw him called up to Harambee Stars squad.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)