Amos Wanjala, the 19-year-old skipper who led Kenya at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt last year, has set his sights on making history after joining Spanish giants Valencia CF — a move he says will be for country, family and personal glory.
New chapter at VCF Mestalla
Unveiled on Sunday, 25 January, Wanjala became the Valencia Academy’s first signing of the transfer window, ending 15 months with Athletic Club Torrellano. The deal places him with VCF Mestalla, Valencia’s reserve side, and hands the young centre-back a platform to stake a claim for a spot in one of Europe’s most respected development systems.
A proud Kenyan in Valencia colours
In a club video released on Monday, Wanjala beamed with pride as he spoke — even switching into Spanish for a few lines — about the opportunity ahead. “I am very happy to be here at Valencia CF. It is a great club with great history,” he said, describing himself as a centre-back who is calm and composed, solid and good on the ball. He framed the move as an achievement for Kenya and a reward for his family’s support.
Pathway to the top
Wanjala’s contract with Mestalla is more than a stepping stone; it is a doorway. Impress at the reserve level, and the senior Valencia CF squad could be within reach. Valencia’s academy is widely lauded — ranked among Europe’s elite for producing players who go on to compete in the continent’s top five leagues — and has nurtured stars such as David Silva, Isco, Ferran Torres and Carlos Soler.
Ambition and expectation
Wanjala made clear he feels the weight of expectation and the thrill of possibility. “Now it is time to bear fruit,” he said, promising to carry Kenyan hopes with him as he battles for minutes and development in Spain. His focus, he added, is squarely on contributing to the team and seizing every chance to grow.
What’s next for Mestalla and Wanjala
VCF Mestalla currently sit 12th in Segunda RFEF Group 3, with 24 points from 20 matches. The reserve side return to action against Alcoyano at the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna on Saturday, 31 January — a stage where Wanjala will begin writing the next chapter of a journey that could see a Rising Stars captain become a Kenyan trailblazer in La Liga.
