So many talents have promised much, yet delivered very little in the end.
However, this time, the hopes of many Kenyans are firmly pinned on the latest football sensation, 17-year-old Aldrine Kibet. His remarkable performance at the Kenya School Sports Arena (KSSA) competition, where he was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize, has ignited high expectations.
Aldrine Kibet, an athletic forward, is gifted with an abundance of pace and a ferocious shot—attributes that have become increasingly scarce in today's football market hence the ensuing speculation regarding his potential price tag in the current era of inflated transfer fees.
Blessed with a remarkable ability to exploit attacking channels, adeptness at pulling wide and cutting inside, and arriving in the box in the nick of time, his skillful maneuvers often leave defenders in his wake which explains his high goal-scoring capacity.
During the competition, his name became a resounding chant among the St. Anthony faithful, echoing through the stands as he consistently found the back of the net. His remarkable tally of 25 goals and 27 assists throughout the tournament solidified his status as a fan favourite.
On Saturday, August 12, a pivotal moment arrived as he secured victory for his school against Dagoretti High at the Kenya School's Sports Arena (KSSA), etching his legacy even deeper into the annals of local sports.
Following this dazzling display of skill, fate seemed to smile upon him. Reports revealed that the young prodigy had been scouted by a second-division Spanish club based in Madrid, which was yet to be revealed by the time of publishing this piece.
It is expected that while at the club, he will join the under 18s team, before joining the under 23s and subsequently join the first tem set up when he is ready.
He is expected to depart the country shortly.
Madrid stands as the illustrious home of the 14-time European champions, Real Madrid, alongside their formidable cross-town adversaries, Atlético Madrid, who have secured the La Liga title on 11 occasions.
The Spanish capital is also home to five other major clubs including; Rayo Vallecano, Getafe CF, CF Fuenlabrada, AD Alcorcón, and CD Leganés.
"One day I will help Arsenal win the league," Kibet stated after winning the match against Dagoretti High.
Kibet's star has garnered recognition from prominent figures within the country, including President William Ruto, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, among other local leaders.
The trajectory of the attacking midfielder's career is driven by an unwavering passion and the invaluable encouragement he received from President Ruto.
"The journey started a long time ago. Those days I used to be called Messi, my idol, but I decided to drop the name when I joined high school to build my own name Aldrine Kibet," he said on July 15.
It was President Ruto who facilitated Kibet's introduction to Kenyan football legends namely; Victor Wanyama, McDonald Mariga, and Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
Named after the second person to walk on the moon (Edwin Aldine), Kibet is resolutely focused on elevating his career to even loftier heights. His aspiration is to earn Harambee Stars caps in the future and play for a top-flight club in a major European league.
In 2023, he achieved a significant milestone by netting the winning goal during the county games against Goseta High. Moreover, he displayed his skill by scoring in the finals of the Rift Valley Regionals against Christ the King High.
Kibet is one of the youthful and talented Kenyans leading various sports.
Another notable talent is Angella Okutoyi (19), who has gained recognition for her outstanding performance in tennis. Additionally, Noah Kibet (19) secured the silver medal in the men's 800 meters event at the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
