Sammy Meja reveals why Kakamega high rules in football

Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale celebrates with Green Commandos Captain Harun Nyakha after the school won this years Airtel rising stars football finals at Bukhungu Stadium,Kakamega.

Born, bred and studied in Kakamega, Sammy Meja is one of the most skillful and highly-rated young players in the Kenyan Premier League.
Game Yetu's Rodgers Eshitemi caught-up with the left-footed Thika United defender to discuss his Harambee Stars call-up, life and aspirations.
Game Yetu: Congratulations for your national team call-up for Morocco friendly. How did you feel?
Meja: That's the best thing that ever happened to me. I felt really excited and proud to have made the cut in a very competitive team.
Game Yetu: How's the 2014 Kenyan Premier League season so far and are you on course to achieving your season targets with Thika United?
Meja: Not bad. I think I have achieved some of my objectives. Apart from becoming a senior player at Thika, I won the 2013 Young Player of the Year award. As a club our target is to secure a top four finish.
Game Yetu:It's not been an easy journey for your football career. How would you describe it?
Meja: It's only by the grace of God, hard-work, discipline and determination that I have reached this far. I faced a lot of challenges, but I never gave up. I had to cope with them and remain focused.
Game Yetu: Who's the deadliest striker have you ever encountered in KPL?
Meja: This is tough. But, I guess Paul Were (now at Amazulu) because of his pace and technique. He's a talented player with whom I would wish to play with in the same team.
Game Yetu: How do you feel being considered as one of the most promising players in the country?
Meja: I am flattered, but at my age it's a pleasure to be among the most promising players.
Game Yetu: How do you unwind after matches?
Meja: I either take a shower or soft drink.
Game Yetu: What's the most memorable moment in your football career?
Meja: Mmmmh. I think our 2013 KPL Top 8 final match game against Tusker is still fresh in my mind. Although we lost, we played our hearts out.
Game Yetu: Is it true that you turned down an offer from AFC Leopards and signed for Thika?
Meja: Yeah, Leopards scouts approached me, but I had already been given an offer by Thika.
Game Yetu: Was it a hard decision to make?
Meja: Not really. I wanted more playing time and Thika was the best place.
Game Yetu: You were born in Kakamega and studied at Kakamega High which has produced players like yourself, Dennis Oliech, Clifton Miheso, Cylus Shitote, Edward Seda and other top players. What is it with Kakamega?
Meja: I think it's because of the genes, environment and the diet. Football is a tradition at Kakamega High and has qualified coaches who scout for technically gifted players and teach them how to amplify their footballing skills.
Game Yetu: So, how did you juggle between academics and football?
Meja: The two were really demanding, but there was no time to mess about-it was always school then football.
Game Yetu: How did it feel to go directly into Thika's first team immediately after finishing your KCSE?
Meja: Football is a competitive game, but with God everything is possible. However, what determines one's success is individual effort and training hard.
Game Yetu: If not playing football what would you be doing?
Meja: I am good at singing, so I would be an artist (Chuckles).
Game Yetu:Do you have a special ritual before playing a match?
Meja: No No No No. I don't believe in superstitions.
Game Yetu: Where would you like to see your career in the next four years?
Meja: Of course I want to be one of the best defenders in the continent and play in Europe.
Game Yetu: What's the first thing you do in the morning after waking up and how do you go for training?
Meja: A prayer is mandatory, then take shower before boarding a matatu to the training ground.
Game Yetu: What's you favourite food?
Meja: Hahahaha...Ugali served with fish.
Game Yetu: What's your favourite European team and which player do you adore?
Meja: I am diehard Arsenal fan and Bayern Munich's David Alaba is my role model.