Kenya has opted to send the Under-23 team, the Emerging Stars, for this year’s CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup which is scheduled for Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Contrary from previous years, CECAFA has decided to have the tournament played in July.
Previously it was played in December but the change was necessitated when Africa changed most of its calendars to confirm to the European leagues. However, with the Coronavirus disruptions in most of the countries, leagues have not been completed.
With the Kenyan premier League at a crucial stage and most teams unwilling to release their key players, the Football Kenya Federation has chosen to go with a younger side to help them earn experience.
The team will be coached by Stanley Okumbi, who has already named his provisional squad that looks very strong on paper. Most of the players called in are from Premier League clubs while five have been included from the second and third tier.
“Some players are unavailable as they are on duty with their clubs in the FKF Leagues. I am confident, nonetheless, that those we have called up have what it takes to achieve a positive outcome in Ethiopia,” Okumbi said.
Nairobi Stima goalkeeper Junior Owino, defender Portipher Odhiambo from Vihiga Bullets, Francis Mwangi from Mwatate United, Alfred Tanui from Kisumu All Stars as well as striker Ken Wanyonyi from third tier side Bungoma Superstars have been named in the provisional squad.
Among the notable names presented in the team include Tusker FC striker Henry Meja whose absence will be a huge miss for the title chasing brewers. AFC Leopards’ trio of Marvin Nabwire and Collins Shichenge as well as Yusuf Mainge have also been named in the team.
Kenya finished third at the last Senior Challenge Cup tournament played in Kampala, Uganda, after beating Tanzania 2-1 in the play-off. They had however suffered a shock defeat to Eritrea in the semis.
The provisional squad reported to camp on Sunday night and will have a training session on Tuesday, before players are released back to their Premier League clubs for the midweek league assignments.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), Caleb Otieno (Gor Mahia), Dolph Junior Owino (Nairobi Stima)
Defenders
Jimmy Ndungi (Tusker), Portipher Odhiambo (Vihiga Bullets), Silvester Owino (Kakamega Homeboyz), Moses Mudavadi (Nzoia), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards), Boniface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Yussuf Mainge (AFC Leopards), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Wepo (KCB)
Midfielders
Joshua Nyatini (Posta Rangers), Marvin Nabwire (AFC Leopards), Sven Yidah (Nairobi City Stars), Vincent Wasambo (KCB), Faraj Ominde (Tusker), Reagan Otieno (KCB), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Peter Thiong’o (AFC Leopards), Francis Mwangi (Mwatate United), Ambrose Sifuna (Sofapaka), Josephat Lopaga (Posta Rangers), Steiner Musasia (Posta Rangers), John Njuguna (Ulinzi Stars), Dennis Musamali (Nzoia Sugar), Elisha Wekesa (Nzoia Sugar)
Forwards
Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Henry Meja (Tusker), Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), Ken Wanyonyi (Bungoma Superstars), Alfred Tanui (Kisumu All-Stars).
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