Tenuka Ranaweera, a former midfielder from Nairobi United, chose to represent Sri Lanka over Harambee Stars due to familial connections and the competitive nature of the team. Having debuted for the Sri Lanka senior national team, he aims to secure qualification for the Asian Cup. Factors influencing his decision included age manipulation and better football infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
In recent times, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has successfully convinced several players of Kenyan descent to represent the Harambee Stars instead of their countries of origin. Notable examples include Daniel Anyembe, Jonah Ayunga, Adam Wilson, and Alfred Scriven, who have all become integral members of the national team. However, some Kenyan-born players are choosing to represent other nations, such as Tenuka Ranaweera, who opted for Sri Lanka, where his ancestral roots lie.
Tenuka Ranaweera, born and raised in Mombasa, opted to represent Sri Lanka last year, beginning with their U20 team upon receiving permission. At just 19 years old, he quickly made an impression, participating in six matches for the U20 squad before receiving a call-up to the senior national team. His senior debut came against Cambodia after prior experiences with teams from Nepal, Bangladesh, and more.
In an exclusive interview, Ranaweera explained his decision to switch allegiances, attributing it to fierce competition for spots on the Harambee Stars and the influence of his family. He stated, “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.” Additionally, he mentioned age manipulation and frustrations with the junior national teams further influenced his choice.
Ranaweera also cited the improved football infrastructure and management in Sri Lanka as factors behind his decision. Now a member of the Sri Lanka senior team, he aims to help lead his country towards qualification for the Asian Cup. With the qualifiers approaching in March, Tenuka is eager to contribute in their matches against Thailand and Chinese Taipei.
Sri Lanka, currently the lowest-ranked team in the qualifiers, is placed in Group D alongside Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Turkmenistan. Tenuka expressed a strong wish, stating, “My dream is to help the country qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup against the odds.” Sri Lanka seeks to secure its first place in the Asian Cup finals after numerous unsuccessful attempts in the past.
In conclusion, Tenuka Ranaweera’s decision to represent Sri Lanka over Kenya highlights the complex interplay of competition and personal connections in international sports. His motivations stemmed from familial ties, the desire to fulfill expectations, and the challenges faced in the Kenyan football scene. With aspirations to guide Sri Lanka to the Asian Cup, Ranaweera embodies the potential for growth within the sport for nations with less prominence in international football, striving for success against the odds.
Original Source: www.mozzartsport.co.ke
