Harambee Stars Coach in Awe of Nairobi United Youngster After Bright Debut

‎Harambee Stars assistant coach Anthony 'Modo' Kimani has showered praise of Nairobi United defender Kevin Otiende.

‎Otiende made his senior national team debut in Kenya's 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on Friday and was trusted by head coach Benni McCarthy to start the match.

‎The left-back had an impressive game, showing his qualities defensively and he was also not afraid to make forward runs in a bid to create chances for his teammates.

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‎Otiende was rarely troubled and missed a glorious opportunity to score early in the contest but the Harambee Stars technical bench saw enough to be convinced that they have a great talent at their disposal.

‎"Kevin started and played the entire 90 minutes and he gave a good account of himself considering this was his first international cap and against a good side that is going to the Africa Cup of Nations. He had a very good match," said Kimani.

‎"He was able to tame the Equatorial Guinea offensive, I do not think they were able to create any meaningful opportunities from that end and it just goes to show that we have a lot of quality in our league."

‎With the defender having been incorporated after just a handful of games in the FKF Premier League, Kimani believes Otiende's selection is enough proof that local players will get opportunities in the senior national team if they show enough quality.

‎"The coach is very keen on incorporating all players that are showing they can add value into the squad," he added.

‎Left-back has been a problematic position for Kenya with limited options to challenge Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma but with the Poland-based defender currently injured, McCarthy has been trying out other players, with Otiende and Gor Mahia youngster Bryton Onyona called up for this month's friendlies.

‎Otiende could get his second start when Harambee Stars play Senegal in another friendly match on Tuesday.

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