Born and raised in Bungoma town, Alvin started his football career at Sacred Academy, a local football club, while in class six. Coached by Job Onyango, he continued to shine and was eventually scouted by Mukumu boys' teachers during the primary school games while playing for his school, Bungoma D.E.B primary school. After finishing primary school, Mang'eni joined Mukumu boys' high school where he also got the chance to represent Kakamega Homeboyz during the 2016 under 20 season.
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Coming from a family of talent, Alvin attributes his football skills to his father, who was also a football player in his younger days. His younger brother Cyprian currently plays for Nyota FC in Mumias. "All these skills are hereditary courtesy of our father Mr. Fanuel Mang'eni." He states.
After high school, Mang'eni joined Kariobangi Sharks in 2018 before signing for the then National Super League team, Kenya Police FC in 2019. He began his stint with the law-makers on a high note, racking up eight goals and six assists over 15 games. This was followed by four goals and seven assists in the season that saw them promoted to the FKF Kenyan Premier League.
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Mang'eni, an accomplished winger, looks up to Kariobangi Sharks defender Geoffrey Onyango. He admires Onyango's versatility as a left back, noting the latter's attacking prowess which helps him get into the central area and support the main striker. Mang'eni also praises Onyango's approach to defending and attacking, which he describes as having "an aura and a touch of Brazilian player Marcelo."
Alvin Mang'eni at a past Harambee stars training camp. (Photo courtesy; Harambee stars
Having represented the national team at the under 20 level, receiving two call-ups to the senior national provincial squad, Mang'eni says it was a dream come true for him. He has yet to make his debut, however, and feels he needs to work harder to be able to compete at the highest level. "Getting a call up is one task and getting on the pitch is another and as always, the coach will always want to put his best team on the pitch. I personally feel that I need to work more because everyone at the national team is the best. I will be patient and keep on with the hard work until it's my time," he says.
The 22-year-old says that it's just the start of the journey and we should expect a lot more from him come next season. He signs off with a little advice to young aspiring players, "Be humble, train hard, never give up and always put God first in whatever situation you're in."
(Photo Courtesy; Alvin Mang'eni, Harambee Stars, Kenya Police FC)
