Thika ace Tsuma out to make his Stars mark at Cecafa

Thika United midfielder Said Tsuma is eager to impress on the international stage as he braces for his first ever Harambee Stars cap at the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

The 20-year-old made the final cut as head coach Paul Put named his squad on Thuesday for the regional tournament that is making its comeback after a two-year hiatus.

Tsuma was called up to replace injured Kenneth Muguna of Gor Mahia FC who had been named in the initial provisional Stars squad and is keen to make his chance count.

“I believe it’s by God’s favour that I have been called up and it’s important for me because it means the coach thinks I can bring something to the team.

“Our season was not the best but as an individual I tried my best. I contributed five assists which is not bad for a defensive midfielder,” Tsuma told Citizen Digital.

Tsuma will have to wrestle Gor’s Ernest Wendo for a starting role and the youngster is relishing the challenge.

“Stanley Okumbi gave me the first chance and now coach Paul Put has given me another. I have to work hard to make the team.”

Kenya will open their Cecafa campaign on Sunday against 2015 finalists Rwanda at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.