Harambee Stars Depart for Mauritius as Coach Firat Looks to Refresh the Squad

Harambee Stars finally embarked on their journey to Mauritius for the Four Nation tournament after experiencing flight delays.

Due to the unavailability of flights, the team was unable to travel on Saturday as planned and instead flew out on Monday morning, enduring a five-hour flight.

Consequently, Kenya missed their scheduled match against Djibouti, which was supposed to take place on Saturday. Their revised fixtures now include matches against Pakistan and the host nation, Mauritius, on Wednesday and Sunday, respectively.

Prior to the team’s departure, coach Engin Firat expressed his intention to provide opportunities to new players in the squad, allowing them to experience international football. The coach emphasized the importance of utilizing this tournament as preparation for official matches and future assignments.

With five players from the friendly match against Iran not included in the squad, this tournament presents an opportunity for the newcomers to make an impression and secure potential future call-ups.

Among the fresh faces in the final squad are Luke Otiala, Moses Shumah, Byrne Omondi, Joseph Mwangi, Benson Omala, and Charles Ouma. Leading the team both as captain and in the forward line is Michael Olunga, who plays for Al Duhail.

The full squad consists of goalkeepers Ian Otieno, Byrne Odhiambo, and Brian Bwire; defenders David Ochieng, Kevin Luke Otiala, Collins Shichenje, Robinson Kamura, Amos Nondi, Eric Ouma, Daniel Sakari, and Abud Omar; midfielders Daniel Anyembe, Richard Odada, Charles Ouma, Teddy Akumu, Joseph Mwangi, Abdallah Hasan, Clifton Miheso, Victor Omune, and Boniface Omondi; and forwards Moses Shummah, Benson Omala, and Michael Olunga.