Starboy Rises: Aldrine Kibet Earns First Harambee Stars Call-Up Ahead of Turkey Friendlies

Kenya’s football prodigy Aldrine Kibet has received his first-ever call-up to the Harambee Stars senior team. The Celta Vigo B midfielder, who has dazzled fans locally and abroad, joins the national squad for the November 2025 international friendlies in Turkey against Madagascar and Comoros. His inclusion signals a new era for Kenya’s football — one focused on youth, strategy, and long-term development under head coach Benni McCarthy.

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A New Dawn for Kenyan Football

For years, Kenyan football has waited for a fresh spark — a young player who could reignite national pride and prove that local talent can shine on the global stage. That moment may have arrived with Aldrine Kibet, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder making waves at Celta Vigo B in Spain.

When the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) released the latest Harambee Stars squad list for the Turkey friendlies, one name immediately stood out: Aldrine Kibet. Fans across Kenya erupted in excitement, hailing it as “the beginning of something new.”

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⚽ Quick Facts: Aldrine Kibet

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Aldrine Kibet
Age	19 years
Position	Attacking Midfielder
Current Club	Celta Vigo B (Spain)
Nickname	“Starboy”
National Team	Harambee Stars (Kenya)
First Senior Call-Up	November 2025 Friendlies vs Madagascar & Comoros

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The Official Call-Up

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy announced the squad for Kenya’s upcoming international friendlies in Turkey — fixtures set for November 14 against Madagascar and November 17–18 against Comoros.

While the matches are classified as friendlies, they hold tremendous importance. They mark a testing phase for McCarthy’s rejuvenated national team — and an opportunity for emerging stars like Kibet to gain valuable senior experience.

Aldrine’s inclusion is no fluke. It is a culmination of steady growth, discipline, and outstanding performances for Celta Vigo’s reserve side in Spain’s competitive development league.

“He’s shown maturity beyond his years,” said a source close to the Harambee Stars camp. “His technical awareness and composure make him a perfect fit for Kenya’s new direction.”

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Who Is Aldrine Kibet?

To Kenyan football followers, Aldrine Kibet is a familiar name — the “Starboy” who captured national attention during the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) championships. His brilliant performances for St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale not only won him individual awards but also propelled his team to national success.

His creativity, quick feet, and confidence drew comparisons to Europe’s finest playmakers. Soon after, he earned an opportunity to train and later sign with Celta Vigo B, where he continues to develop in one of Spain’s most respected football academies.

At Celta Vigo, Kibet has impressed with his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the game’s rhythm. He’s widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted Kenyan midfielders of his generation.

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From Nakuru to Vigo: A Journey of Grit and Belief

Born in Nakuru County, Aldrine’s story is one of relentless perseverance. With limited access to elite academies, he honed his craft in community tournaments and school competitions, relying on raw talent and unwavering determination.

His big break came at the 2023 KSSSA National Championships, where his dazzling displays caught the attention of scouts and coaches. A few months later, he was on a plane to Spain — beginning a new chapter that would shape his football destiny.

Now, stationed at Celta Vigo’s developmental side, he’s gaining invaluable experience and exposure to high-level football structures. His journey is an inspiring reminder that talent, when matched with opportunity, can transcend boundaries.

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Kenya’s Youth Revolution Under Benni McCarthy

Kibet’s call-up fits squarely into the vision of Coach Benni McCarthy, who has vowed to rebuild Harambee Stars around youth, professionalism, and modern football principles.

Since taking over, McCarthy has prioritized identifying promising players — both locally and in the diaspora — capable of executing a more dynamic, tactical, and possession-based game. His strategy aims to phase out the dependency on older players and inject fresh energy into the national squad.

“We’re not just looking at today’s results,” McCarthy stated recently. “We’re building a team that can compete at the top level in the next decade.”

By including Aldrine Kibet, McCarthy isn’t just rewarding potential — he’s laying the foundation for Kenya’s football renaissance.

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Why This Call-Up Matters

1. For Aldrine Kibet

It’s the realization of a lifelong dream and a validation of his journey from the dusty pitches of Nakuru to the pristine training grounds of Spain. Earning a senior national call-up at 19 is no small feat — it solidifies his reputation as one of Kenya’s brightest prospects.

This opportunity also exposes him to international competition, helping him mature faster and potentially attract interest from top-tier European clubs.

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2. For Kenyan Football

Kibet’s rise sends a powerful message to Kenya’s football ecosystem: youth development works.
It demonstrates that local talent, if properly scouted, mentored, and supported, can compete globally. His story will undoubtedly inspire thousands of young players across the country to dream bigger and work harder.

It’s also proof that pathways to professional football — from school tournaments to European academies — are real and achievable.

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3. For the Harambee Stars

The inclusion of players like Kibet represents a cultural shift. Kenya is now embracing a long-term strategy built around youth, identity, and tactical evolution.
Blending experienced veterans with new blood could finally help the Harambee Stars transition from a team of potential to one of consistent performance.

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What to Expect in the Turkey Friendlies

Kenya’s two fixtures in Turkey — against Madagascar and Comoros — offer a low-pressure environment for experimentation. For Aldrine, this could be his first taste of senior international football.

If he earns playing minutes, expect to see him in an attacking midfield or creative playmaking role, linking up with strikers and controlling tempo. His ball retention and ability to read the game could provide the creative spark Kenya has long lacked in the final third.

Fans are already buzzing with excitement. “It’s time for the new generation to shine,” read one popular post on X (formerly Twitter). The sentiment is unanimous — everyone wants to see what Starboy Kibet can bring to the table.

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A Step Toward the Bigger Picture

Aldrine Kibet’s journey mirrors Kenya’s broader football ambitions. With more young players breaking through in Europe and structured youth programs taking shape at home, the future looks bright.

His call-up is not just a personal win — it’s a national statement. It underscores the importance of investing in grassroots football, improving infrastructure, and maintaining consistent support systems for talented youth.

If nurtured well, Kibet could become the face of a new footballing era — one defined by professionalism, creativity, and belief in homegrown excellence.

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Conclusion: The Beginning of a New Era

For Aldrine Kibet, this moment is both a culmination and a beginning. It’s a testament to years of dedication and the start of a new chapter in Kenyan football history.

As the Harambee Stars prepare to face Madagascar and Comoros in Turkey, all eyes will be on the teenager from Nakuru — the boy who dreamed big and made it happen.

Whether he plays 90 minutes or just a few, one thing is certain: Aldrine Kibet’s journey has reignited hope.
And with players like him leading the charge, the future of Kenyan football looks brighter than ever.