Aldrine Kibet and Ibrahim Wanzala headline a group of 12 promising young talents selected for Kenya’s national Under 20 provisional squad set to compete in a Four-Nation tournament in Malawi from March 18 to 26.
Wanzala, known for his goalkeeping prowess, and Kibet, a prolific scorer, were standout performers during last year’s Cecafa U18 Boys’ Championships where Kenya finished as runners-up to Uganda.
Under the guidance of Coach Salim Babu, the U20 Rising Stars squad also features notable talents including Amos Wanjala, Louis Ingavi, Syphas Otieno, and Baron Ochieng.
Among the selected players are Mark Shaban and Paul Ochuoga from Gor Mahia, Francis Kamau from Bidco United, Junior Masinza from Homeboyz, and Lucas Maina from Ulinzi Stars, all of whom impressed Babu’s scouting team.
The squad comprises a blend of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, demonstrating Babu’s commitment to assembling a versatile and competitive team.
With a diverse pool of talent at their disposal, the Rising Stars aim to make a mark in the upcoming tournament and showcase Kenya’s burgeoning football talent on the international stage.
Here is the full list of players selected:
Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Wanzala (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 (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).
