Three new faces in Stars squad
Kenya's Harambee Stars team poses before their World Cup qualifier match against Nigeria's Super Eagles in Kenya's capital Nairobi, November 14, 2009. Front row (L-R): Patrick Oboya, Peter Odhiambo, Dennis Oliech, Willis Ochieng, Jockins Atundo, John Njoroge. Back row (L-R): Musa Otieno, Victor Mugabe, Emmanuel Ake, Pascal Ochieng and Edgar Ochieng. PHOTO/REUTERS
What you need to know:
- Technical bench gives chance to fresh players ahead of regional tourney
Three fresh names have been included in a strong looking 24-man Harambee Stars released by team manager Edward Oduor on Friday for the Orange Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in Kenya.
Gor Mahia’s left back Christopher Wekesa, little-known IFK Mariehamn (Finland) midfielder Amos Chona and Ulinzi Stars striker Evans Amuoka are in the squad featuring no less than 16 players who played for Harambee Stars in their unsuccessful World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifier campaign.
“We are looking for continuity as we try to maintain a stable squad,” Oduor said.
The 2008 KPL top scorer Francis Ouma, who now play from Portuguese second division side GD Tourizense and Ulinzi’s left-footed midfielder Lawrence Owino have also been recalled.
European-based professionals Willis Ochieng and Patrick Oboya together with Petro Atletico striker Allan Wanga have all been retained as coach Twahir Muhiddin shows his intentions of keeping the regional trophy in Kenya.
Oduor said they were in talks with up and coming Lawrence Olum of Minnessota Thunders who play in the United Soccer League, the second tier division in the United States.
Before kick off date
The 25-year-old Olum was named as a midfielder to the All All League Second Team last season. The honor is given to 11 of the top 22 players in the league and voted upon by league coaches and general managers.
Vastly improved Gor Mahia midfielder Peter Opiyo may be included in the tournament if he returns before the kick off date Oduor said. The poloshed, ball distributing Opiyo is currently attending trials in Germany.
Kenya are in a tough looking Pool “A” together with Zambia, Ethiopia and Djibouti.
The hosts open their campaign with a clash against southern African soccer powerhouse Chipolopolo on November 28.
Squad: Goalkeepers - Willis Ochieng (FKL Mariehamn), Wilson Oburu (Sofapaka), David Okello (Thika United). Defenders - Julius Owino (Gor Mahia), Edgar Ochieng (Mathare United), John Njoroge (Young Africans), George Owino (Young Africans), Pascal Ochieng (KCB), Joakins Atudo (Tusker), Ibrahim Shikanda (Azam), Ibrahim Shikanda (Gor Mahia). Midfielders - Jerry Santos (Tusker), Patrick Oboya (FK Banik Most), Amos Chona (IFK Mariehamn), James Situma (Sofapaka), Lawrence Owino (Ulinzi), Hillary Echesa (Simba), Jamal Mohammed (unattached), Ibrahim Kitawi (Gor Mahia. Strikers - George Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Francise Ouma (GD Tourizense), Allan Wanga (Petro Atletico), Evans Amuoka(Ulinzi), John Baraza (Sofapaka).
