Everton midfielder Nathangelo Markelo admits the passion of Kenya's fans took him aback.
Everton played against champions Kariobangi Sharks earlier this summer in an exhibition game - with 20 year-old Markelo part of the tour squad.
He told Voetbalzone: In Kenya things are a bit different than what I was used to. It's followed enormously there. You really noticed that we were stars there, people were waving at the bus.
"I really felt someone great, that was just as unreal."
Markelo was snapped up from FC Volendam two years ago.
"At first I thought: how is that possible?" he recalled of his transfer.
"Usually it is guys from Ajax, Feyenoord or PSV who make those kind of steps. I therefore did not doubt it, because you cannot say 'no' to such an opportunity. Especially when you come from Volendam. I quickly made the decision with my mother that I would go to Everton."
