Kenya coach Stanley Okumbi has named a 26-man initial squad of home-based professionals for upcoming international friendlies against Uganda and DR Congo.
The warm-ups are meant to prepare “the Harambee Stars” for the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches –commencing March 2017.
“We have called-up an initial squad of 26 local based players who will report for camp at the Kasarani Stadium on Mrch 19, 2017,” Okumbi said.
Foreign-based professionals including the captain and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama will jet in within the allowed FIFA dates to complete the jigsaw.
“A further list of foreign-based players called up for the same will be availed in due course as we don’t expect them to link up with the rest of the squad until the commencement of the FIFA friendlies window,” the former Mathere United gaffer explained.
Western Stima defender Maurice Ojwang’ has earned a maiden call-up to the team, while former AFC Leopards midfielder Bernard Mang’oli has made a comeback after a period in the cold.
Also in the squad is the reigning Kenyan Premier League (KPL) player of the year Kenneth Muguna – fresh from guiding Gor Mahia to the 2017 KPL Super Cup glory, in a 1-0 win against Tusker FC over the weekend.
Leopards’ prodigy Vincent Oburu, who is embroiled in a contractual tag of war with arch rivals Gor Mahia has also made the cut, so is veteran midfielder Osborne Monday who is currently with league newbies Kariobangi Sharks.
The Squad:
Goalkeepers
David Okello (Tusker), Boniface Oluoch (Gor Mahia), Patrick Matasi (Posta Rangers)
Defenders
David Mwangi (Mathare United), Eugene Asike (Tusker), Jockins Atudo (Posta Rangers), Maurice Ojwang (Western Stima), Musa Mohammed (Gor Mahia), Robinson Kamura (AFC Leopards), Sammy Meja (Thika United), Simon Mbugua (Posta Rangers).
Midfielders
Amos Asembeka (Sony Sugar), Benard Mang’oli (AFC Leopards), Erick Johanna (Un-attached), Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia), Humphrey Mieno (Tusker FC), Joseph Kuria (Posta Rangers), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia), Noah Wafula (Tusker FC), Ochieng Ovella (Kariobangi Sharks), Osborne Monday (Kariobangi Sharks), Samuel Onyango (Ulinzi Stars), Whyvonne Isuza (AFC Leopards).
Strikers
Jeremiah Wanjala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Mark Makwatta (Ulinzi Stars) and Vincent Oburu.
