When Kevin ‘Chumsy’ Okumu embraced football at Jericho estate in Nairobi when he was eight years old, his dream was to play for national team, Harambee Stars, someday.
But never did he know that the road to the top would be so long and winding.
The defender spent years plying trade at the grassroots, featuring for estate outfits like the SDA FC and Young Rovers FC.
Patience and determination saw the right-back smash the glass ceilings into top-flight football, where he has featured for FKF Premier League sides Nairobi City Stars, Kariobangi Sharks, Wazito, and currently KCB.
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Despite showcasing his talents and skills in the national top-tier league for a protracted period, Okumu did not have a breakthrough into the senior national team, Harambee Stars, until last month.
Okumu could not believe himself when he received a surprise call-up from head coach Benni McCarthy to link up with Harambee Stars squad preparing for the eighth edition of the African Nations Championship (Chan) that is currently being held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
And on Thursday, the 27-year-old KCB right-back penned his name into the annals of history when he made his senior national team debut against Angola at Kasarani Stadium.
Okumu came in as a substitute in the second half, where he replaced Daniel Sakari in the 79th minute in the high-octane encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw.
“I’m grateful. I can’t express how I’m feeling to play for Harambee Stars because the journey to this destination has not been smooth. So I’m celebrating the small victory,” Okumu told Standard Sports after the match.
“I’m grateful for the coach (McCarthy) and the technical bench for believing in me. I’m so proud that my effort in football can now be seen.
“All I can say is that this is a culmination of years of hard work, this is a dream come true because I have been trying for many years to reach here and showcase my skills,” he said.
To Okumu, playing in Chan is not only an honour but also an opportunity to expose his talents to the scouts that are roving around.
“There is a chance to be spotted and land a good team from here, so I’m determined to prove my worth in this tournament. Personally, I have a set target to achieve in this competition,” he said.
So far Harambee Stars have played two matches in the championship, winning 1-0 against DR Congo and drawing 1-1 against Sable Antelopes of Angola.
Kenya is set to tackle Atlas Lions of Morocco today (3pm) in an encounter where Okumu has urged fans to come out in large numbers to energise the players.
“We will strive to get all the three points in the match. We will be out to display a solid defence in the game. Sharpening our counter-attacks will be key in overcoming the Moroccans,” Okumu stated.
“We are also telling the spectators to fill Kasarani to the brim, because their presence will be the final push needed to realise the victory.”
On his analysis of the tough Group D, where they are paired with Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, Okumu says proper gelling and good chemistry within the Harambee Stars squad should be enough to upset their opponents.