Spalding United’s Ben Starkie made his international debut for Tanzania at the weekend.
The 19-year-old midfielder played the opening 45 minutes in the east African country’s 3-1 friendly victory over the Central African Republic.
He followed that by coming on for the second half in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Sudan.
Starkie, who signed for the Tulips in November, said on Twitter: “It’s an absolute honour to get my first senior national team call up for Tanzania.
“What an experience.”
He missed Saturday’s Pitching In Northern Premier League Midlands Division loss at Bedworth United where Tulips fan Rob Green unveiled a Tanzanian flag and posed with Starkie’s teammates ahead of the 1-0 loss.
Tulips manager Brett Whaley said: “Ben’s been involved in camps before but so proud to get his first start.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for him and he’s the type of lad who works so hard at his game and this recognition will help him again.”
“Everyone at Spalding is very proud of him”
