“ I am excited as this opportunity will help me attain better skills. I don’t feel bad about not taking part in the game, I’m optimistic that there will be more opportunities. This is just the beginning,” said an elated Joshua.

Hull City Development Phase Coach Richard O'donnelle who will be in charge of for the sessions says Otieno will focus on general match preparation and developing possession during the training.

Aspects of this will include passing, endurance, mobility, weight of the pass and accuracy among other tactics.

Accompanied by football development manager Patrick Naggi, Joshua will undergo a two-day training with the Hull team.

Golden chance

Administration problems meant that Otieno only arrived in the United Kingdom only 24 hours before the All Stars took to the field at the KCOM and, having only tasted a few seconds of football on English soil, the Tigers’ Academy stepped in to give the exciting midfielder the extra experience of training with the Club’s up-and-coming youngsters before he travels back to Kenya on Sunday.

Joshua, a form 3 student at Kakamega High School, plays for Sony Sugar and was a surprise selection in the 18-manSportpesa All Stars squad that made it to play Hull City after two weeks of rigorous training and evaluation.

The All Stars were beaten 2-1 by a Hull City XI in front of almost 4,500 fans at the KCOM as the Tigers’ partnership with main sponsor SportPesa was celebrated. The game was broadcast live across Africa, where millions tuned in to support the Kenyan side.

The Hull City club begins its programmes from age 7/8 to 11years (Foundation Phase) and then progresses to the Youth Phase which targets age 12-16 and finally to the 18-23 Professional Development Phase.

The club further categorises the teams by age each with a head coach and supporting staff to facilitate training and development.