Kenyan Athletes Depart for Egyptian Trials
Four young Kenyan footballers, Brian Mathenge, Dete Onyango, Isaiah Partisau, and Denzel Omondi, have recently set off for Cairo, Egypt, to participate in trials with Al Gaish Mandala Football Club, a team competing in the second division of the Egyptian Premier League.
Hailing from grassroots football tournaments in Nakuru and Kajiado counties, these players represent Bahati's Gunevra FC, Purko FC, and Viking FC. All of them are between the ages of 18 and 20. The Mannabay Foundation-Kenya, which has been instrumental in nurturing, mentoring, and financing these players, has played a significant role in elevating them to international trials and serving as a lifeline for their aspirations.
The trials in Egypt mark a significant milestone for these young footballers, symbolising the determination and vision of Kenyan football development. The aim is to break barriers and showcase local talent on the international stage.
Meanwhile, local clubs like Mseto Football Club and Kahawa Pride FC are conducting football trials in Kenya in August and September 2025, providing ongoing opportunities for young Kenyan players to engage and develop their skills domestically.
The journey of these players has been celebrated as a celebration of purpose, determination, and the unbreakable spirit of Kenyan youth. Onyango, one of the participants, expressed determination to prove to the world that Kenya has enough talent to feature in competitive global football leagues and at the World Cup.
This initiative underscores the progress of Kenyan youngsters seeking professional football exposure abroad, facilitated by local grassroots and foundation support. The trials are currently ongoing, and the players' performance will be closely watched as they strive to make a mark in the world of football.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Players Involved | Brian Mathenge, Dete Onyango, Isaiah Partisau, Denzel Omondi | | Clubs Back Home | Gunevra FC (Nakuru), Purko FC, Viking FC (both Kajiado) | | Trial Club in Egypt | Al Gaish Mandala FC (Egyptian Second Division) | | Foundation Support | Mannabay Foundation-Kenya | | Trial Dates & Progress | Trials commenced after departure around August 11, 2025 |
The development comes at a time when Kenya's national team, Harambee Stars, is making strides in international football competitions. Recently, they qualified into the quarterfinals of the Africa Nations Championships (Chan). Dete Onyango, one of the participants, expressed determination to prove that Kenya has enough talent to compete at the global level.
The four Kenyan footballers, Brian Mathenge, Dete Onyango, Isaiah Partisau, and Denzel Omondi, are currently participating in trials with Al Gaish Mandala Football Club in Egypt, a team competing in the second division of the Egyptian Premier League. These players hail from local clubs like Gunevra FC (Nakuru), Purko FC, and Viking FC (both Kajiado) in Kenya.
Dete Onyango, one of the participants, has expressed his determination to demonstrate that Kenya has the talent required to compete at a global level, mirroring the ambitions of the Harambee Stars, Kenya's national team.
