Tenuka Ranaweera, a former Nairobi United midfielder, chose to represent Sri Lanka instead of the Kenyan national team due to intense competition, family heritage, and challenges within junior teams. His quick ascent in the Sri Lankan leagues reflects his ambitions, particularly ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
The recent trend among Kenyan players suggests a growing inclination to represent the Harambee Stars, yet some, like Tenuka Ranaweera, have opted for alternative national teams. Notable players such as Daniel Anyembe, Jonah Ayunga, Adam Wilson, and Alfred Scriven have chosen to embrace their Kenyan roots, successfully making their mark within the national squad. In contrast, Tenuka has decided to represent Sri Lanka, highlighting a shift in allegiance that speaks to personal heritage.
Tenuka Ranaweera, a 19-year-old footballer from Mombasa, aligned himself with Sri Lanka last year. His decision is particularly influenced by the heritage of his family, with his father born in Sri Lanka and later settling in Kenya. After joining the U20 squad, Tenuka quickly made an impact, transitioning to the senior team after just six appearances.
In an interview with Mozzart Sport, Tenuka explained that his choice was motivated partly by the intense competition for positions within the Harambee Stars. He expressed, “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.” His challenges within the Kenyan junior leagues, including age-related controversies and lack of familiarity with national team selections, further solidified his decision.
Another significant factor leading Tenuka to pursue his career in Sri Lanka was the perceived advantages within the country’s football infrastructure. Having debuted for Sri Lanka’s senior team, he is now focused on contributing to their efforts toward qualifying for the Asian Cup.
Tenuka is eager to participate in the upcoming qualifiers against Thailand and Chinese Taipei, expressing enthusiasm for representing Sri Lanka on the international stage. With aspirations to guide his team, he mentioned, “My dream is to help the country qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup against the odds.” Sri Lanka seeks to break new ground by aiming for their first qualification after numerous unsuccessful attempts in the past.
In summary, Tenuka Ranaweera’s choice to represent Sri Lanka, rather than the Harambee Stars, underscores various factors influencing player allegiance, including familial heritage and competitive dynamics. His aspirations for the Sri Lankan national team reflect a commitment to contribute significantly to their footballing ambitions, especially in light of upcoming challenges in the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Original Source: www.mozzartsport.co.ke
