Jonah Ayunga revealed he’s found it “crazy” to see Saints teammate Keanu Baccus taking on Lionel Messi and co at the World Cup.
And seeing his Buddie shine in Qatar has made the powerful striker even more hungry to make it to the 2026 edition with Kenya.
Like most St Mirren fans over the last two weeks, Ayunga has been watching keenly on as Baccus made history for the Socceroos as they were narrowly defeated by Argentina in the last 16.
Having been called up to the Kenya national team before, but still yet to win his first cap, 25-year-old Ayunga is determined to follow in Baccus’ footsteps and represent the Harambee Stars on the biggest possible stage.
Especially with Kenya’s hopes of qualifying next time around having already received a huge boost given the next World Cup – in the United States, Canada and Mexico – has been expanded from 32 teams to a massive 48.
He told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “I’ve been watching as many World Cup games as possible. It’s been great so far.
“I’ve been tuning in to all the Australia games and it’s been great to see Keanu getting on.
“It’s crazy to see him there. I’ve been speaking to him whilst he’s been out there and he says it’s just been surreal. He deserved to be there.
“For every player, the World Cup is seen as the best place you can ever get to in terms of football.
“You never know. To see Keanu playing against the likes of Mbappe is crazy. You have to dream big. Hopefully we can get there too one day.
“I’m hoping to get back involved with Kenya. I’m still just waiting to hear from them. Whenever they give me the call I’ll be ready to go.
“I think they’re upping the number of teams in the World Cup next time around as well, which definitely gives you hope you can get there one day. I’m still at a good age and hopefully I’ll be in with the team soon. They didn’t play any games in the last window, but hopefully there will be something arranged soon.”
After a welcome spell back home in Dorset, Ayunga has enjoyed getting back to the grind with St Mirren after they returned to training last week.
A 0-0 draw with Blackpool in a behind-closed-doors friendly last Friday night helped the Saints dust off the cobwebs.
And Ayunga is confident the World Cup break will give his Buddies an extra boost when they return to competitive action in less than two weeks’ time.
He said: “It was a nice break. I was back home in Dorset for a week. It’s given us a chance to relax and refresh the body.
“The schedule is going to be a lot more full on now with more midweek games. That’s more similar to what it’s like down south. I’m used to it, but it is going to be tough.
“It’s Saturday, Tuesday most weeks down in England so I’m used to playing twice a week. It doesn’t phase me.
“It’s been an alright start to the season, but I still feel it could have been better with some of the games we’ve played. We’ve been making a lot of chances and hopefully when we come back we can be even better. Beating Celtic was the win of the season so far.
“Hopefully there’s more big wins still to come.”
READ MORE:
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here
