Football administrators, coaches and fans in the country on last Wednesday offered varied reactions following news of Divork Origi Okoth’s acceptance for a call up to the World Cup bound Belgian national team at the expense of Kenya.
The player himself separately expressed his joy at what he termed as an ‘opportunity to represent my country at the World Cup’
“It is a dream that has come to be and I am really happy. I cannot say that I expected it although I was aware that I was being followed and there was a possibility for me to be selected. I am sure I will learn a lot in Brazil that I will come with to give back to my country,” Divork told his club’s official website.
Divork – son of former Kenya International Mike Origi Okoth – was named in Belgium’s 24 man provisional World Cup squad. This development effectively ended Kenya’s hope of convincing the teenager to play for the national team Harambee Stars.
“We really wanted Divork here because he possesses exceptional talent, but we respect his decision and wish him well just like we wished Obama well,” Robert Asembo, a football administrator said.
The country’s director of football Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee described Origi’s decision as a ‘lost opportunity’ for Kenya.
“One man’s loss is another man’s gain. Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouche even took the trouble to go to Belgium and talk to his father but the ultimate the decision rested upon the lad. We wish him well,” Mulee said.
Fantastic news
Harambee Stars first choice goalkeeper Arnold Origi – who is Divork’s first cousin - took to social media to describe the news as ‘fantastic’.
“Fantastic day fanatstic news. Now there is no doubt on which team I will be supporting in the Fifa World Cup. Congratulations Divork Origi. #teamreddevils.
Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch described Divork’s situation as a case of ‘exported talent’ a move he says the ‘Government has to support’.
Oluoch’s sentiments were echoed by Brian Mukoyani an IT Programmer in the city and Phil Etale, the Orange Democratic Movement’s Director of Communication.
“Let the young lad shine at the World Cup, after all, we shall take pride as Kenyans for having one of our very own feature at the tournament,” Etale said.
“Cases of labour crossing internationally are common nowadays. Besides, Kenya are unlikely to play at the Fifa World Cup in our generation. Best of luck to him,” Bernard Mukoyani said.
Belgium coach Mark Wilmots included Origi in his sqaud to replace the injured Christian Benteke of Aston Villa.
“He (Origi) has great potential,” Wilmots was quoted by the Daily Mail. “He has Benteke’s profile. It is easy to target him.”
Divork will be anticipating his international debut competitive tournament when Belgium lines up against Algeria in their opening match of Group H in Belo Horizonte on June 17.
Story courtesy of http://sporton.nation.co.ke/ #CTA101
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