Celta Vigo’s prodigy Aldrine Kibet has described his first-ever call-up to the Kenya national men’s senior team, the Harambee Stars, as a dream come true.

Speaking moments as the Benni McCarthy charges hit camp in preparation for FIFA friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal on Friday, November 14, and Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Turkey, the youngster has revealed that donning the national colours for the senior team has always been his dream.

”I feel so good; it has been a dream, and now it’s coming true. I am very happy to represent the country. It has come earlier; my goal was to break into the national team by 2027 for the Africa Cup of Nations, but because it has come sooner, I am very excited,” the youngster said.

”Growing up, this has always been my dream. I have been playing while motivating myself over the same; my father has also been telling me that he sees me breaking into the Harambee Stars squad by 2027, so that is true, it is coming. I just want to make the debut and score goals,” he added.

Kibet inspires St Antony

The 18-year-old former St Antony’s Boys High School, Kitale, star made his Celta Vigo U-19 debut on Sunday, October 5, 2025, as the team claimed a 2-0 victory over Sporting Gijón, shortly after joining the La Liga club in July 2025.

Kibet’s football journey began in Kitale, where he starred for St Anthony’s Boys High School. In 2023, he led the team to victory at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) championships, finishing as top scorer and Most Valuable Player with 25 goals and 27 assists.

Journey to Spain

His outstanding performances earned him a place at Nastic Sports Academy in Spain under the Talanta Hela programme, an initiative by the Kenyan government to help local sports talents secure international exposure.

Balanced squad for Turkey friendlies

In goal for the two fixtures, coach Bennie McCarthy has named Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), and Brian Opondo (Tusker FC).

The defence includes Vincent Harper (Walsall), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Etoile Du Sahel), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Manzur Suleiman (Nairobi United), and Baron Ochieng (Zamalek).

In midfield, Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan), and Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC) will provide balance and control.

The attack features several options, including Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Ovella Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (St Mirren), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), and Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki).