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Arsenal academy protege dreams of Harambeee Stars debut


For 14-year old Mwathi Gakonga, who turns out for the Arsenal Soccer School in London, the dream is to don the national colours when he comes of age.

Gakonga, a versatile wing- attacker, says that he alongside his elder brother, Kinuthia Junior- Gakonga, who turns out for district side Harlow Town FC, also in London, wants to be the third-pair of siblings to turn out for Harambee Stars.

Kinuthia Junior- Gakonga (left) with his brother Mwathi Gakonga.
Kinuthia Junior- Gakonga (left) with his brother Mwathi Gakonga.

Should their dream come true, the Gakongas will follow in the footsteps of Musa Otieno and Eric Omondi; the brothers who turned out for the national team under former German tactician, the late Reinhardt Fabisch.

The other sibling pair being Simeon and Titus Mulama.

In an interview on Saturday before returning to their London base, Mwathi, who has been honing his football skills at the Arsenal Soccer School, says that he will choose Harambee Stars at the expense of England’s Three Lions should his career hit the projected heights.

Mwathi Gakonga of Arsenal Soccer School.
Mwathi Gakonga of Arsenal Soccer School.

‘’I’m more thrilled to play for Kenya. The discovery makes it exciting,” he said during the interview accompanied by their father James Gakonga.

Mwathi said that he has learned a lot developing in a professional set up that is the Arsenal School.

“The training puts a lot of emphasis on technical skills, agility and ball control; it’s a structured training and I’m optimistic of a professional career because the coaches say that I’m very talented,” he said.

On the other hand, besides playing for Harlow FC, Kinuthia Junior is pursuing a diploma course in Sports.