Aldrine Kibet: A young star reflects on a stellar year, eyes successful career

Aldrine Kibet, 17, football prodigy, has rapidly ascended the ranks of Kenyan football this year.

Representing St. Anthony’s Kitale, Kibet's outstanding performance in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) tournament in August catapulted him into the spotlight.

Playing as an attacking midfielder, his skills and vision on the field are unmatched, making him a standout player in the tournament.

Kibet’s journey took a significant leap when he was selected for Kenya’s national U20 squad earlier this year. His participation in the tournament in Malawi showcased his talent on an international stage, earning him attention from coaches and scouts.

Now, poised to feature in Kenya's U23 team for the COSAFA Cup tournament in South Africa, Kibet is ready to make his mark once again.

Reflecting on his experiences, Kibet shared his excitement and determination.

“It's a great opportunity for me to represent my country. At first, I was in disbelief, but now I'm ready to work together with the team. Getting to the national stage has really shown me what's more into football,” he said.

“Joining the national team exposes you to new coaches who offer new types of game play, so my experience with the national team has been perfect because every time I come, I learn something new,” he added.

Kibet’s versatility has been a key factor in his success. While his primary position is an attacking midfielder, he has also demonstrated his ability to adapt to other roles on the field.

“Playing for the national team also teaches you to adapt to new positions in the field. As an attacking midfielder, I'm also able to play number 6, 8, and 10. So right now, I'm comfortable playing in any of those positions,” he explained.

His journey with the national U23 team is set to begin with a tough Group B, where they will face formidable opponents Zambia, Comoros, and Zimbabwe.

The first challenge awaits them against Zambia on June 27, 2024 at NMB Stadium.

Despite the tough competition, Kibet remains optimistic and focused on the opportunity ahead.

Kibet’s aspirations extend beyond the national stage. Since childhood, he has dreamt of playing for Barcelona, a vision he has frequently shared with his parents.

“Since I was young, it has always been my dream to go to Spain, and it's something I've always shared with my parents. For me, it's a dream come true, but I'm not yet where I want to be until I get to play for Barcelona in the future,” he said.

As Aldrine Kibet prepares to participate at COSAFA tournament, his journey serves as an inspiration to young footballers across Kenya.