Darius Msagha, an exciting winger currently plying his trade with Shabana FC, has voiced his regrets after missing the opportunity to represent the Harambee Stars in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. Msagha, who had been named in the squad by coach Engin Firat for the double-header clash against South Sudan, was ultimately dropped due to a last-minute passport issue. This setback has left the player reflecting deeply on the importance of preparation and the significance of national team duty, while he promises to use the experience to fuel his ambitions going forward.
Msagha’s football journey has been marked by consistent growth, with his performances at Sofapaka last season being a testament to his talent. During the 2023/24 season, he netted 11 goals for Sofapaka, earning him a reputation as a dependable goal-scorer. This form attracted the attention of Shabana FC, where he now aims to further his career. However, his transition to Shabana has not dimmed his ambitions of playing for the national team. Being selected for the CHAN qualifiers was supposed to be the next big milestone in his career. Unfortunately, the passport hitch prevented him from realizing that dream, leaving him with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
The CHAN tournament holds a unique place in African football as it features players who play in their domestic leagues. Unlike other international competitions, it provides local talents with the opportunity to showcase their skills on the continental stage, away from the shadow of foreign-based stars. For Msagha, being part of the CHAN squad represented not only a career highlight but also a potential platform to prove his worth to the senior national team setup. Missing out on such a rare chance was a bitter pill to swallow.
The winger described the missed opportunity as a valuable lesson, emphasizing the importance of being fully prepared, particularly when it comes to having essential documents in order. Msagha urged fellow players to learn from his experience, highlighting how a seemingly minor issue can derail significant career prospects. “This experience has taught me the hard way, but it’s a lesson I’ll carry forward. I will make sure I’m better prepared in the future and hope that other players can also see the importance of having their documents ready at all times,” he reflected.
Despite the setback, Msagha is determined to remain focused on his career goals. He assured his fans that he is channeling the disappointment into motivation, vowing to perform even better at Shabana and work his way back into the national team fold. “I am not going to let this deter me. My goal is to score goals for my club and make a strong case for my inclusion in future national team assignments. I want to be part of the final qualifying matches and eventually make it to the CHAN tournament itself,” Msagha stated.
The desire to don the Harambee Stars jersey burns brightly for Msagha, who aspires to make significant contributions in both regional and continental competitions. Although Kenya has already secured a spot in the 2024 CHAN tournament as a co-host, the qualifiers still provide valuable match practice and an opportunity for the technical team to fine-tune the squad. Msagha expressed his ambition to feature prominently in the national team’s future, noting that the CHAN tournament could serve as a stepping stone toward more prestigious tournaments and qualifiers.
The return leg of the CHAN qualifier against South Sudan is scheduled for November 3 at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda. With the winner on aggregate set to face either Rwanda or Djibouti in the final round, there is still much to play for. Msagha hopes that he can earn a place in the team for the later stages or at least gain further opportunities with the national squad. “I dream of playing for Kenya in serious qualifiers and tournaments with the senior team. This experience has only strengthened my resolve,” he added.
Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, will co-host the CHAN tournament in February 2024. The tournament, which takes place every two years, offers players competing in domestic leagues across Africa a chance to gain international experience and showcase their abilities. For Kenya, co-hosting the competition provides an opportunity to cement its place as a football powerhouse in the region. With a talented pool of players emerging from the local leagues, the tournament is expected to be a significant occasion for Kenyan football.
In addition to his personal aspirations, Msagha highlighted the importance of the CHAN tournament for the growth of domestic football. He expressed hope that the exposure gained by participating in such a competition would elevate the status of Kenyan football and inspire more players to pursue professional careers locally. “This tournament is a big deal for us. It’s a chance for local players to prove that we can compete at a high level and attract more attention to our leagues,” Msagha noted.
Reflecting on his transition from Sofapaka to Shabana, Msagha spoke about his goals for the new season. He acknowledged that while the move presented new challenges, it also opened up opportunities for personal growth and development. “Joining Shabana was a strategic move for me. I believe this club will help me grow as a player and position me better for future opportunities, including with the national team,” he said.
Msagha also expressed his gratitude to Shabana FC for the support he has received since joining the club, emphasizing his commitment to helping the team achieve its objectives. “I am here to give my best and contribute to the success of the team. My focus now is on performing well for Shabana, and I know that with hard work, the national team opportunities will come,” he stated confidently.
Looking ahead, Msagha is determined to make the most of his career and fulfill the potential that many have seen in him. While the recent setback was disappointing, he remains optimistic about the future and committed to achieving his dreams. “Every player faces challenges, but it’s how you respond to them that matters. I will keep working hard, and when the next opportunity comes, I will be ready,” he concluded.
Msagha’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports careers, where preparation off the field is just as important as performance on it. His experience underscores the importance of seizing every opportunity and being ready for the unexpected, particularly in a competitive environment where the margins between success and failure can be razor-thin.
As Msagha focuses on helping Shabana in the domestic league, his eyes remain firmly set on the horizon, where national team glory and international success await. With the right mindset and continued dedication, the dribbling wizard is determined to turn his recent setback into a springboard for future success.
