Dennis Oliech, McDonald Mariga left out of Bobby Williamson’s provisional Harambee Stars squad

McDonald Mariga in action for Harambee Stars against Lesotho during an African Cup of Nations qualifier on August 3, 2014. FILE PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Williamson has handed trials to a number of players who have impressed in the KPL and FKF Premier Leagues this season.
  • Kenya will play Congo Brazzaville and Ethiopia within six days starting June 12.

Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson seems keen to herald a new era.

The Scot floated this perception at the weekend by excluding Dennis Oliech and McDonald Mariga from his 30-man squad that is primed to feature in the continental engagements mid this month. 

In the experienced duo’s absence, Williamson has handed trials to a number of players who have impressed in the KPL and FKF Premier Leagues this season.

Kenya will play Congo Brazzaville and Ethiopia within six days starting June 12, in the qualification phase of both the 2017 Africa Nations Cup and 2016 Africa Nations Championship (Chan) respectively.

“They (Oliech and Mariga) will not be with us forever, I feel it is time we gave opportunities to some local based lads who have impressed me this season,” Williamson told Daily Nation Sport. 

CONTINENTAL COMPETITION

Despite being considered Kenya’s top two players of the past decade, Oliech and Mariga have not only failed to lead the national team to any continental competition during that while, but also struggled for play time at their respective bases in the Middle East and Europe respectively, in recent times.

Williamson’s new era it seems, will consist the likes of Micheal Olunga, Jacob Keli, Ian Otieno, Victor Ali Abondo, Peter Nzuki and John Makwata. Makwata, Olunga, Keli and Abondo have on average scored once in every two Kenyan Premier League matches this season.

Nzuki and Otieno also  consistently impressed in the FKF Premier League while Harun Shakava and Stephen Wakhanya look set to be promoted from the U-23 side. This crop will be complimented by the foreign based legion consisting David Owino, Allan Wanga, Ayub Timbe, Arnold Origi and Francis Kahata.

Williamson has also urged local clubs to accord him at least ten days to work with the players. The squad is set to commence training on Tuesday.

HARAMBEE STARS SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Boniface Oluoch (Gor Mahia), Wycliffe Kasaya (AFC Leopards), Ian Otieno (Rangers FC) and Arnold Origi (Lillestrom)

Defenders: David Owino “Calabar” (Zesco United), Harun Shakava and Musa Mohammed (Gor Mahia), Edwin Wafula and Jackson Saleh (AFC Leopards), David “Cheche” Ochieng (Al Tawoon – Saudi Arabia)

Midfielders: Victor Mugubi Wanyama (Southampton FC), Collins “Gattuso” Okoth and Victor Ali Abondo (Gor Mahia), Benard Mang’oli (AFC Leopards), Humphrey Mieno (Tusker FC), Ayub Timbe Masika (Lierse – Belgium), Francis Kahata (FK Tirana – Albania), Anthony Akumu (Al Khartoum – Sudan)

Strikers: Jesse Were and Kevin Kimani (Tusker FC), Paul Were (Not Attached), Michael Olunga (Gor Mahia), Jacob Keli, Noah Wafula and Mike Khamati (AFC Leopards), Stephen Wakanya (Chemelil Sugar FC), Robinson Kamura (Mathare United), Allan Wanga (El Merreikh – Sudan), Peter Nzuki (Nakumatt FC), John Makwata (Ulinzi Stars).