Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is running out of superlatives to describe Rooney Onyango’s performance after his impressive display on his debut for Harambee Stars against Russia on Monday night.
Although a right-back by trade, Onyango played both as a right winger and left winger on the night, and never looked out of place with his vertical play, composure, and aggression at attacking spaces at pace whenever the opportunity arose.
Without the ball, he tracked his opponent very well and obeyed his coach’s instructions to the letter.
Speaking after the match, the Turkish tactician was grateful that Onyango “won” his trust ahead of the opening two World Cup qualifying matches against Gabon and Seychelles.
“They worked well and like I said always, if someone is working well and really deserves to play, then he will play,” Firat said.
Firat has praised the K’ogalo right back for being a player who wants to “concentrate” on his football, which has earned him the plaudits he is getting.
Since his days playing for Wazito, Onyango has always been a player that has stood out bombing up and down the pitch from the right flank.
His performance will offer more solutions on the right side of defense for Firat, with Denmark-based Daniel Anyembe having impressed against Qatar and South Sudan, while midfielder Amos Nondi has also effortlessly played in the position.