Gor Mahia youngster Bryton Onyona has expressed disbelief after receiving his first call-up to the Harambee Stars ahead of friendly matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal later this month. The 20-year-old left-back described the moment he learned of his selection as one filled with excitement and disbelief.
Onyona, who was promoted to Gor Mahia’s senior team earlier this year, admitted he did not expect the national team opportunity to come so soon. He recounted that he had just finished team training and was on his way to buy new trainers when a teammate informed him that his contact had been forwarded urgently to the Harambee Stars’ management. Shortly afterward, Onyona received a call from the national team manager congratulating him on his inclusion.
“The excitement was so overwhelming that I didn’t even take the nap I had planned when I got home,” Onyona revealed, highlighting just how significant the call-up was for him.
The young defender’s journey to the national team has been marked by consistent progress and impressive performances. Onyona made a name for himself during the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom tournament last year, where he was named Kisumu County MVP and earned a spot in the All-Stars Team that toured Spain in December 2024. His stellar performances at Gor Mahia Youth earned him promotion to the senior side in February 2025, and he has since continued to impress both fans and coaches alike.
Versatile on the pitch, Onyona is capable of playing as a left-back, right-back, and even in midfield, making him a valuable option for Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. His inclusion comes alongside fellow Gor Mahia teammate Shariff Musa and Nairobi United’s Kevin Otiende, both of whom received late call-ups as well.
Onyona’s focus is now on making the most of this opportunity and impressing McCarthy to secure a place in the coach’s plans for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. With his technical ability, versatility, and growing experience at the top level, Onyona could become a key figure in Kenya’s national team setup in the coming years.
For the young defender, the call-up is a dream come true, reflecting years of hard work, dedication, and consistent performance. As he prepares to don the Harambee Stars jersey for the first time, fans will be eager to see how Onyona adapts to international football and contributes to Kenya’s ambitions on the continental stage.
