EMERGING STARS: Kamura, Onyango and Muguna rough diamonds awaiting polishing

A chick that will grow into a cock can be spotted the very day it hatches, the African saying goes, and Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi hopes it will come to pass for three of his charges.

Kenya let a 1-0 lead slip as Uganda equalised with three minutes to go in an international friendly at Machakos Stadium on Thursday, but the performance of youngsters Robinson Kamura, Samuel Onyango will offer some positive takeaways for Okumbi.

The Harambee Stars tactician has made it clear international friendly matches are auditions for the ambitious local stars.

Gor Mahia’s Kenneth Muguna did not play a part in the Uganda tie, but local coaches agree the former Western Stima midfielder is a rough diamond crying for polishing.

Kamura, who recently transferred from Mathare United to AFC Leopards, was brilliant for Harambee Stars – a performance that reinforced his growing stature. The 22-year-old was a bright spot in SportPesa Allstars team that lost 2-1 to Hull City select side at the KCOM Stadium on February 27.

On Thursday, on his debut for the national team, Kamura played as right back in a defence featuring Brian Mandela, Musa Mohamed (replaced by Simon Mbugua) and Aboud Omar and came off with flying colours. He made Uganda’s experienced players, Emmanuel Okwi and Geoffrey Sserunkuuma, look ordinary even though Moses Waiswa drew the Cranes level late on.

“His passing is very good. For a defender who initiates attacks and joins upfront is very refreshing,” said Salim Ali, Mathare United assistant coach.

“He is equally a good free kick taker. However, he needs to work on his transition from attacking to defending. Always, such defenders with attacking capabilities tend be caught out. The good thing is that at 22, he has a lot of time to learn.”

Ulinzi Stars striker Onyango justified his selection with superb shift of work, running down the Ugandans

Signed from Sony Sugar last year, Onyango scored three goals in the Caf Confederation Cup ties against Al Hilal Benghazi (1) and against Egypt’s Smouha (2).

“He is an asset for Ulinzi Stars and the national team. I think he is out there now for the coaches to do all they can to make his talent blossom,” Maj Joe Birgen, the Ulinzi Stars vice chairman said.

Gor Mahia’s Muguna is yet to have a run out, but the reigning Kenyan Premier League Most Valuable Player has already won the hearts of skeptics with his display so far. With Kenya facing the Democratic Republic of Congo in Machakos tomorrow, Muguna could be in line for selection even if for a brief stint.

“Technically gifted player. He wins and re-distributes the ball really well. He needs to work on his physique because the position he plays, just like Victor Wanyama, is physically demanding.

“To be able to break up play and win back the ball, you have to be strong. Muguna will be a good player,” Salim Ali said.

 

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