Ageless Situma aims for Stars recall

Kakamega Homeboyz defender James Situma believes he still has what it takes to earn a place in the national soccer team Harambee Stars.

Situma, who last donned the national colours in 2016 said that hard work is the only way to return to the team and is geared for the challenge as he settles into his new surroundings.

The veteran defender parted ways with Tusker last term only to dock at the Kakamega based side where he has been reunited with striker Allan Wanga.

However, his immediate plan is to win back his place in the national senior side.

Head coach Paul Put recently said he will have a mixture of both local and international players in his final team that will face Ghana on March 23 for the 2019 African Cup of Nation’s qualifier in Nairobi and Situma wants to be part of the squad.

“It all depends on my performance at club level. If the coach sees I have something to offer to the national team then I’ll be available.  I’m always ready to represent the country because that’s a dream for every player,” he said

The former Tusker captain was among nine players that were released by the 11-time Kenyan Premier League champions in December after the expiry of their contract.

Alongside Wanga they joined Homeboyz with the former also being appointed as the County Director of Sports.

“The expectations are high. Last year the team finished third in the league and we have added quality players who will help us fight for titles,” Situma said. “It’s not by accident that they finished in that position. The coach understands what he wants from us and he makes sure that we have mastered the art.”

Homeboyz are currently eighth-placed in the league standings, having won their first match of the season, beating Thika United 1-0, and losing to 2009 champions Sofapaka in their second match by a similar margin.

Their next assignment is against newly promoted side Wazito FC, and Situma believes that he has nothing to prove.

“I have nothing to prove to anyone, I have played for different clubs in the league and I have always been giving my best, that’s what I’m planning to do as long as I am playing for Homeboyz,” he told Citizen Digital.