Former Nairobi United Midfielder Tenuka Ranaweera Chooses Sri…

This article discusses Tenuka Ranaweera, a Kenyan-born footballer who chose to play for Sri Lanka instead of representing Harambee Stars. Key reasons for his decision include intense competition for spots in the national team and family heritage. After joining the senior national team, Ranaweera aims to help secure a spot for Sri Lanka in the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers.

In recent years, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has successfully attracted several players of Kenyan descent to represent the Harambee Stars instead of their birth nations. Prominent examples include Daniel Anyembe, Jonah Ayunga, Adam Wilson, and Alfred Scriven, who have become integral members of the national team. However, amidst this trend, some Kenyan-born talents choose to represent other countries.

One notable example is Tenuka Ranaweera, a former player for Nairobi United, who decided to play for Sri Lanka, honoring his ancestral roots. Raised in Mombasa, Tenuka began his journey with the Sri Lankan U20 team after committing to represent the country last year. Due to his promising performance, he quickly graduated to the senior team.

Tenuka cited various reasons for his choice, including the intense competition within the Harambee Stars squad, which made securing a spot challenging. He emphasized the influence of his family, noting, “When the opportunity to play for Sri Lanka arose, I did not think twice about it. I considered it an opportunity to make my dad and grandparents proud, as they were born there.” Additionally, concerns regarding age cheating and difficulties with the junior national teams also contributed to his decision.

The player highlighted attractive factors such as better football infrastructure and management in Sri Lanka as key influences in his choice. After debuting for the senior national team, Tenuka aims to assist in securing a spot for Sri Lanka in the Asian Cup. As part of the final squad, he is eager to contribute during the March qualifiers against Thailand and Chinese Taipei.

Tenuka expressed his ambitions, stating, “My dream is to help the country qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup against the odds.” The Sri Lankan team, currently struggling at a FIFA ranking of 200, is determined to achieve their goal after multiple unsuccessful attempts in the past.

In conclusion, Tenuka Ranaweera’s decision to represent Sri Lanka over the Harambee Stars highlights the complex dynamics of national allegiances in football. His journey underscores the influence of competition, family heritage, and the desire for opportunities in sports. As he sets his sights on helping Sri Lanka qualify for the Asian Cup, it is evident that personal aspirations can shape the paths of talented athletes.

Original Source: www.mozzartsport.co.ke