The Kenya National U20 team’s provisional squad for the upcoming four-nation tournament set to take place between March 18th and 26th, 2024, in Malawi has been named.

Rising Stars, under the tutelage of Coach Salim Babu, features a blend of players from various teams participating in different FKF-run leagues across the country, as well as a contingent of 12 players who competed in the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys Championships.

Ibrahim Wanzala and Aldrine Kibet, who were recognized as the best goalkeeper and top scorer, respectively, in the CECAFA U18 Boys’ Championships 2023, have been included in the squad.

Furthermore, Junior Stars captain Amos Wanjala, along with Louis Ingavi, Syphas Otieno, and Baron Ochieng, have earned call-ups to the squad.

Adding to the roster are players from the FKF Premier League, including Gor Mahia’s Mark Shaban and Paul Ochuoga, as well as Bidco United’s Francis Kamau, Kakamega Homeboyz Junior Masinza, and Ulinzi Stars’ Lucas Maina, providing invaluable experience.

FKF National Super League players like Rainbow FC midfielder Tyson Kariuki and Migori Youth midfielder Elly Owade, and FKF Division One club players like MOFA duo Joseph Bate and Syphus Otieno were also included in the squad.

The team is scheduled to report to camp on Monday, March 11, 2024.

This tournament holds significance as it aims to develop and expose elite youth talent, while also serving as preparation for the upcoming 2024 AFCON Under-20 qualifiers later this year.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Junior Odhiambo (Migori Youth), Joshua Keya (Rainbow), Kevin Alloys (Mathare United), Issa Emuria (Ulinzi Stars).

Defenders

Nesta Olum (AFC Leopards), Sigmun Maina (Kariobangi Sharks), Junior Masinza (Kakamega Homeboyz), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Francis Kamau (Bidco United), Fidel Otieno (Mathare United), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Faiz Opande (Elite Falcon, Dubai), Daniel Odhiambo (Mombasa Elite), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Grant Odiero (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy), Mansur Okwaro (Unattached), Collins Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks).

Midfielders

Linus Munyao (Rainbow), Hamisi Otieno (Homabay), Lucas Maina (Ulinzi Stars), Benard Ouma (Nairobi United FC), Ryan Wesley (Rainbow), Zechariah Obiero (Leyton Onorient FC), Stanley Wilson (AIK, Sweden), Kevin Wangaya (Apollonia FC, Albania), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Brian Kamau (Rainbow), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports Academy), Elly Owade (Migori Youth), Andreas Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks).

Forwards

Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Brian Mboya (Bidco United), Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Umar Rajab (Apollonia FC, Albania), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), James Gachago (St Andrew’s United), Clinton Asiago (Bidco United), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Louis Ingavi (Montvarde Academy, USA), Syphas Otieno (MOFA), Tyron Kariuki (Rainbow), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Christopher Koloti (AFC Leopards).

Also Read: Four Nations Tournament in March