Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy believes Kenyan teen sensation Aldrine Kibet has the perfect launchpad for a glittering career after sealing a move to Spanish top-flight side Celta Vigo.
The 18-year-old midfielder penned a four-year deal on Wednesday and will link up with Celta Fortuna, the club’s 'B' team, with hopes of breaking into the senior squad soon.
Kibet, a Kenya Under-20 international, had been sharpening his skills at Spain’s Nastic Soccer Academy since 2023 before Celta came knocking.
Should he rise through the ranks and feature in La Liga, Kibet will become only the third Kenyan to grace Spanish football after McDonald Mariga and Michael Olunga.
Mariga had loan stints with Real Sociedad (2011-12) and Real Oviedo (2017-18), while Olunga had 14 appearances for Girona FC in the 2017-18 season, scoring three times.
McCarthy, who spent four seasons at Celta, reckons Kibet couldn’t have chosen a better club to hone his craft.
"I have seen him numerous times and also met him with his parents. For a young player like him, he has a good pathway, as Celta Vigo has produced some top players. He couldn't have gone to a better team," McCarthy said. "He is in a perfect place to develop himself and grow as a player."
"Some of these players there find themselves in the first team," he added.
The former South African international featured for Celta between 1999 and 2003, making 66 appearances for the team and netting 10 goals.
"It's great, a nice town. I lived there for seven years. It's a beautiful city. Some of my children live in Spain as well," observed McCarthy.
The former Manchester United assistant coach also revealed he had been eyeing Kibet for the Africa Nations Championship (Chan) squad before the youngster’s switch to Celta.
"I will follow his progress. I wanted to include him in the Chan squad because he was only part of an academy, but he ended up signing for Celta, which is amazing," he noted.
On a lighter note, McCarthy offered a word of advice.
"Try and learn to speak Spanish as soon as possible because 99 per cent don't speak English. There will be a language barrier. But the people there are very nice," he observed.
Kibet, meanwhile, is excited after sealing a dream move.
"Proud to have signed for Celta, dream turned to reality. Grateful to my family, coaches, teammates and everyone who's been part of this journey," he said on social media.
"The hard work continues, and I'm ready for the challenge ahead. Let's make history."
