Ex-Kenya national team striker Taiwo Atieno has made an emotive appeal to Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence, urging him to contemplate representing Harambee Stars over England or Jamaica.
The 24-year-old primarily operates as a right-back but is also capable on the left flank. He remains eligible to represent Kenya, having been born to a Kenyan mother and a Jamaican father in the UK. Recently, there have been speculations that coach Benni McCarthy may consider Spence for a spot in the Harambee Stars squad.
In March 2022, Spence received his first international call-up to the England under-21 squad for European Championship Qualifiers against Andorra and Albania, making his debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Albania on 29 March 2022. Despite this, he hasn’t yet appeared for the senior England squad, leaving room for eligibility to represent Kenya, Jamaica, or England.
Atieno can relate to Spence’s situation; born to a Kenyan father and a British mother and raised in England, he expressed his desire to play for Harambee Stars back in January 2009, sharing with the media: “It has been my dream to play for Kenya since I was 13.”
Atieno faced a challenge when he was informed that he needed to renounce his British citizenship to obtain a Kenyan passport. Fortunately, the recent changes to the Kenyan constitution allowed for dual citizenship, granting him special permission, and he was soon included in the Harambee Stars squad for the 2009 World Cup qualifiers.
He made his debut as a late substitute in a June 2009 qualifier against Mozambique and went on to play various roles in subsequent matches, including a friendly match in Bahrain and another qualifier against Tunisia.
On February 29, 2012, Atieno returned to the national team after a three-year absence, earning his fifth cap in a 2-1 victory over Togo during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
Spence’s absence from recent England squads has raised eyebrows, with many pondering whether he may switch to represent Kenya’s Harambee Stars, where he would likely secure a starting position due to his considerable talent.
In a recent interview, Spence discussed his international future and the speculation surrounding which national team he might play for in the years ahead.
“Who wouldn’t want to represent their country? That’s something I’m really looking forward to. If I get called up, that’s fantastic; if not, I’ll just keep pushing on,” he told Football.London. “I haven’t had any communication from anyone yet. My focus is on performing well and helping my team to win.”
In a separate interview with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Spence revealed his ambition to don the England jersey. Despite not receiving a call-up for the recent FIFA international break, the former Nottingham Forest player still has the opportunity to shift his allegiance and play for Harambee Stars.
Why Djed Spence Should Consider Kenya Over England
“As someone who has walked a similar journey of dual heritage in South London, I feel now is the perfect time to share a different viewpoint, one forged through experience. I would encourage Djed to meet with our new coach, Benni McCarthy, and experience Kenya firsthand before making his decision about which national team to represent.”
Atieno continues, “A crucial decision in his career should not be made off surface assumptions but should be informed and comprehensive.”
Atieno elaborated: “Kenya, and East Africa as a whole, is undergoing a revolution in football. The game has evolved beyond the pitch; it now encompasses culture, opportunity, influence, and legacy. Choosing the Harambee Stars is not a rejection of English football; it is an opportunity to lead a nation and inspire generations.”
Atieno asserts that should Spence decide to represent Kenya, he could emerge as a key figure in the team.
“In contrast to England, where the wealth of talent, especially at wing-back positions, often sidelines even established Premier League players, Kenya provides Djed the chance to become a pivotal presence—not just in matches but in the future of Kenyan football,” argues Atieno. “With Kenya’s aspirations to qualify for our first-ever FIFA World Cup, Djed could spearhead a promising generation and create a remarkable chapter in Kenyan and African football history.”
“Furthermore, he would gain regular playing time, continental exposure through the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON—a globally recognised event), and the opportunity to influence the team’s culture and playing style. Such opportunities are rare in England or anywhere in Europe.”
Atieno believes that switching to Kenya could position Spence as a household name, representing not just football but a movement and the positive representation of dual identity.
“It’s vital to acknowledge that Africa is the next big opportunity in sports and commerce. With a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP (PPP) of $10 trillion USD, Africa is booming. The African diaspora contributes roughly $100 billion USD back to the continent each year,” Atieno explained.
“East Africa alone has a population of 500 million, an average age of 21, and a GDP (PPP) of $2 trillion USD. As one of the few prominent players of Kenyan descent, Djed would attract substantial attention from brands seeking to connect with authenticity, youth, and ambition.”
“While competition for endorsements in the UK is fierce, in Kenya and East Africa, he could achieve recognition not just as a footballer but as an influential brand, a movement, and a testament to the positive aspects of dual identity.”
“He would gain first-mover advantages in various business opportunities—as he could establish football academies (perhaps even his professional club) or partner with government and private entities. In the past 15 years, Africa has produced over $750 million USD worth of football talent with little to no investment. Kenya welcomes diaspora football visionaries eager to enhance the sport and empower the youth.”
Djed Spence Has the Potential to Become a National Icon
Atieno, who has played in the Football League for clubs like Walsall, Rochdale, Chester City, Darlington, Torquay United, and Barnet, as well as in the USL First Division for Puerto Rico Islanders and Rochester Rhinos, believes Spence has the potential to become a national icon, opening doors for others and inspiring millions across the continent.
“Choosing to represent Kenya isn’t just about career decisions; it’s about creating a legacy. It’s about being remembered as a unique figure, rather than just one among many,” Atieno said. “In England, Djed risks becoming just another name on a lengthy list of players; in Kenya, he has the chance to emerge as a national symbol—someone who paves the way for others and motivates millions across Africa.”
He concluded, “As the first Kenyan in the diaspora to navigate the bureaucratic challenges back in 2009 just to pull on the Harambee Stars shirt, I understand how significant this is. I also recognise the vast potential Kenya and East Africa hold.”
“My message to Djed is to consider Kenya, as he could craft a story that hasn’t been told and establish a football legacy that is challenging to replicate in England.”
Spence is primarily known for his versatility as a right-back, admired for his speed and dribbling skills. He has received accolades from figures like Ian Wright, who praised him as “combative, technical, and swashbuckling,” while Wes Morgan likened his style to that of a Rolls-Royce.
In addition to his time at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, he has also had loan stints with Genoa, Leeds United, and Rennes. Spence was instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s promotion campaign and was featured in both the EFL Championship Team of the Season and the PFA Championship Team of the Season.
Catch Spence’s upcoming match with Tottenham here.
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