Mixed fortunes for UK-based Jonah Ayunga, Joshua Lelan

Kenya’s two Sussex UK-based footballers Jonah Ayunga and Joshua Kipkemboi Lelan have had contrasting fortunes over the past month for their new respective teams.

Lelan, who has a Kenyan father, has been an ever present for League Two side Crawley Town FC since making his debut against Stevenage when he was named as man-of-the match in a 2-1 defeat on February 4.

Since then he has made six consecutive appearances, nailing down his place in the defence until he was substituted after only 20 minutes with a leg injury in last Saturday’s match against Wycombe Wanderers which Crawley won 2-0.

Lelan said his move to Crawley was based on the fact that he would play regular football again following his previous stints at league sides Derby County, Swindon and Northampton Town with whom he won promotion.

However, Lelan told his new club Crawley that winning promotion with Northampton was not his greatest moment, but representing Kenya in the match against Uganda in August 2016, when he played alongside Tottenham’s midfielder Victor Wanyama.

“That was a really great feeling and a proud moment for me and my whole family,” he said.

“I’m dual nationality so when the manager rang me towards the end of summer last year and offered me the opportunity it was one I didn’t hesitate to take.

“The feeling of donning a national team jersey and hearing the national anthem is something I’ll never forget.”

Sussex compatriot Jonah Ayunga, who is on loan for the next 18 months to Sligo Rovers in the Irish Premier Division, made his debut as a substitute in their opening day 5-1 thrashing by Limerick over the weekend.

Ayunga nevertheless is hoping to keep his place in the starting line-up for Saturday’s home game against Dundalk.