Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat has named the provisional squad for the March 28, 2023, friendly against Iran. The 30-man squad features a strong contingent of local based players and experienced foreign-based players.
Coach Firat says the camp is about rebuilding the team dynamic.
“We are looking forward to seeing the boys, to find out how they are doing and to begin to reconnect. We have not met in over 500 days, so this camp is about coming together and learning to play together again.”
Nzoia Sugar’s remarkable league form has resulted in maiden call-ups for midfielder Hassan Beja and playmaker Joseph Mwangi. AFC Leopards midfielder Victor Omune also receives his first international call-up after a productive season for Ingwe.
The squad also includes international players with Kenyan roots who play in Europe. Danish-born defender Daniel Anyembe, who has captained the Denmark under 23 national side and striker Alfred Scriven who plays for IL Hodd in Norway have received their first invites to the Harambee Stars fold.
Engin Firat says this is deliberate.
“We need a better scouting system to find players who are available to play for Kenya and convince them early to do so. These players have an advantage because some of them have played even in European national teams at junior levels so they are tactically and mentally ready. Other African countries are doing this and we need to do the same.”
FKF Premier League top scorers Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia) and Elvis Rupia (Police FC) are in the squad alongside Captain Michael Olunga, (Al Duhail, Qatar) Masud Juma (Al-Faisaly, Saudi Arabia), and Scriven in the forwards’ department.
In the midfield, the Nzoia duo of Beja and Mwangi are joined by Duke Abuya (Police FC), Kenneth Muguna (Azam FC, Tanzania), Richard Odada (Philadelphia Union, USA).
Belgium-based Joseph Okumu (Gent) and Erick Ouma (AIK) lead a defensive line that includes Daniel Sakari (Tusker) and David Ochieng (Mathare).
“Eric Johana and Jonah Ayunga were in my plans but they are injured so we shall see them at a future date” Firat added.
The team reports to camp on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi (Police FC), Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Bryne Odhiambo (KCB), Levin Opiyo (AFC Leopards)
Defenders
Joseph Okumu (Gent, Belgium), Brian Mandela (South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Andrew Juma (Bandari), David Ochieng (Mathare United), Maurice Owino (KCB), Collins Shichenje (AIK, Sweden), Mohamed Siraj (Bandari), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), Abud Omar (Kenya Police)
Midfielders
Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Richard Odada (Philadelphia Union, USA), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Joseph Mwangi (Nzoia Sugar), Kenneth Muguna (Azam, Tanzania), Abdallah Hasan (Bandari), Duke Abuya (Kenya Police), Wilkims Ochieng (FC Koper, Slovenia), Moses Mudavadi (KK Homeboyz), Alvin Mang’eni (Kenya Police), Hasan Beja (Nzoia Sugar), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards)
Forwards
Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway)
Also Read: Harambee Stars to Play Friendly Against Iran