Harambee Stars Head Engin Firat has announced a provisional squad of 30 players in preparation for the Four Nations Tournament scheduled to take place from June 11 to 18 in Mauritius.
Firat expressed that he meticulously scoured both the local and international scenes in search of quality talent.
“The star-studded 30-man provisional squad consists of a mix of local stars primarily from the Kenyan Premier League, as well as experienced foreign-based players,” Firat stated while unveiling the squad.
The Turkish coach mentioned that they will utilize the tournament to assess the capabilities of their new additions ahead of upcoming significant international assignments.
“I have strategically chosen this squad to prepare for the upcoming CAF and FIFA competitions. Furthermore, the Four Nations Tournament provides our players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities.”
Among the local talents who have received their first call-up to the national team are goalkeeper Simon Masaka (Sofapaka), Kevin Luke Otiala (Kariobangi Sharks), Charles Ouma (Kenya Police), and Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz).
“We are eager to infuse fresh energy into the team, and their performances in the local league demonstrate their potential to excel in the national team,” Firat commented.
Brian Bwire, the first-choice goalkeeper for Tusker, leads the group of veterans who have made their way back into the national team, including Robinson Kamura (Kakamega Homeboyz) and Boniface Omondi (Gor Mahia).
Bwire and Omondi particularly stood out during their league encounter, which ended in a goalless draw at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The Stars will commence residential training on Monday and are scheduled to depart for Mauritius on June 10, 2023.
They will face off against the hosts Mauritius, Djibouti, and Pakistan in the tournament.
Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Bryne Odhiambo (KCB), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Simon Masaka (Sofapaka)
Defenders: Joseph Okumu (Gent, Belgium), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Collins Shichenje (KUPS), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), David Ochieng (Kenya Police), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Mohamed Siraj (Bandari), Kevin Luke Otiala (Kariobangi Sharks), Robinson Kamura (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Midfielders: Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Richard Odada (Philadelphia Union, USA), Kenneth Muguna (Azam, Tanzania), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Alvin Mangeni (Kenya Police), Clifton Miheso (Kenya Police), Charles Ouma (Kenya Police), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari), Joseph Mwangi (Nzoia Sugar), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Boniface Omondi (Gor Mahia), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards)
Forwards: Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masoud Juma (Difaa El Jadidi, Morocco), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia).
