5 Harambee Stars prospects whose careers have gone under the radar
By Luke Oluoch, September 26, 2025For time immemorial, Kenya has looked to bolster the football talent offered locally with the experience and versatility offered beyond the country’s frontiers.
With the European-based talents offering a different dimension and experience to the national set-up, People Daily Digital collates a list of European-based stars who have featured for Kenyan and those eligible to feature but have, since, seen their career go under the radar.
Bruce Kamau
The Australian-based winger initially turned down offers to play for the Kenya Men’s soccer team before later reneging on the decision under coach Engin Firat.
The youth prospect came to the limelight when he made his senior professional debut for Adelaide United in 2014, having come through the ranks in the Australian football clubs
He went to feature for Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers between 2018 and 2021, before leaving Australia for a stint in Greek OFI Crete.
He later rejoined Adelaide in February 2025, and now plays in the country’s second tier.
The attacking midfielder, who was born in Kenya but represented Australia at the youth level, finally agreed to a Kenyan call-up in 2024 for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers games against Burundi and the Ivory Coast.
He, however, did not make the final squad for the qualifier and never made his awaited debut.
Henry Ochieng
The former Kenya U23 midfielder was once the talk of the town in 2021 after his headline move to English Premier League team, Watford.
However, his stint with the Hornets lasted for only five months as he later exited with zero appearances for the EPL side.
The 26-year-old now plies his trade with National South League team Slough Town FC in the sixth tier of the English league.
Wilson Waweru
The Harambee Stars prospect has been among the rising stars to light up the Irish top league for over five years now.
Based in Ireland, Waweru has enjoyed a stellar campaign in the country, though his success has not been enough to catch the attention of Kenya.
The dreadlocked 24-year-old striker is currently in the books of Sligo Rovers in the country’s top division.
He joined the club in December 2023 from Galway United and signed a two-year contract, which was later extended until the end of the 2026 season after a fine showing.
Waweru has been a key player for Sligo Rovers, scoring important goals, including a hat-trick in the FAI Cup against Cobh Wanderers. Unfortunately, his 2024 season was cut short due to an Achilles injury that required surgery, and he’s currently undergoing rehab.
Ismael Gonzales
Ismael Athuman Gonzalez, a member of Harambee Stars AFCON team in 2019, currently plays in Spain’s third-tier Primera Federacion.
He recently started a league clash for Zamora CF, which beat Lugo 1-0 in the league before the international break.
The win increased their season points to 5 after 3 games.
Came to the fore during Sebastien Migne’s time before making it to the squad for the continental games in a midfield alongside Wanyama, Dennis Odhiambo, and featured immensely in the team under the French tactician.
He, however, fell under the radar after returning to Spain.
Anthony Wambani
The former Bandari anchorman currently features for Arlanda FC, the third tier of Swedish football.
Wambani made his move to Europe after a sterling performance in the KPL, where he featured for Coastal Based Bandari FC in 2018.
On the International stage, he has four caps for the Harambee Stars. He made his debut in the 2019 CECAFA games in December under coach Francis Kimanzi against Tanzania.
The 26-year-old, who is a dual citizen of Kenya and Sweden, has seemingly settled in Sweden, and the chances of a return to Kenya look unlikely.