Kakamega Homeboyz youngster Elisha Nalianya has described his latest omission from both the Kenya U20 and U23 squads as motivation to work harder as he targets a place in future national team assignments.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe promising centre-back was overlooked for the two age-group teams preparing for their respective international engagements but insists the setback will only strengthen his determination to earn a recall.Why Patrick Matasi believes he deserves second chance with Harambee StarsSpeaking exclusively to Mozzart Sport, Nalianya drew inspiration from his previous experience with the Talanta Hela squad in Spain, saying his failure to make the Kenya U18 team did not prevent him from eventually earning an opportunity to represent the country.“I was unlucky not to be called up for the U20 squad for the AFCON qualifier matches and equally the U23. However, for me, it is a solid motivation because even for the U18 I did not make it, but I went to Spain with the Talanta Hela squad. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9980804##So, I feel I belong there, and this will make me put in more effort to regularly secure a spot in the national team set-ups,” he stated.The 20-year-old defender recently joined Kakamega Homeboyz from St Joseph's, completing a move to the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup champions as he begins the next chapter of his development.Tusker chairman reveals the club's new home ground for 2026-2027 seasonNalianya revealed that his decision to join the club was also influenced by the progress of his cousin, John Otieno, who currently turns out for Tusker FC.The youngster sees Otieno's career path as an example of what can be achieved and hopes to replicate some of his cousin's progress as he seeks to establish himself at the top level of Kenyan football.##NAJAVA_MECA_9980650##“It’s a good feeling to follow in the footsteps of my 'brother' John Otieno, having looked at his progress over the years. Having started off here, I chose to go the same route he has taken up to now at Tusker, which is a huge motivator. I am looking into following in his footsteps,” he added.Why Zico wants return of Kenyan Premier League to run top-flightAt Homeboyz, however, Nalianya faces stiff competition for playing time as he seeks to break into a defensive unit featuring a blend of experience and established top-flight players.The youngster will have to compete for places alongside experienced defenders Geoffrey Ochieng, returning Charles Momanyi, Dennis Iguma and Collins Odhiambo ahead of the new FKFPL 2026/27 season.##NAJAVA_MECA_9980651##