Kenya’s Under-23 football team is set to participate in the upcoming COSAFA Championship in South Africa, following a last-minute invitation to fill the spot vacated by Malawi.
The Kenyan Football Federation has opted to send a youthful squad, primarily composed of players from the Rising Stars U20 team and others under the age of 23.
The squad, led by Ken Odhiambo, the senior national team’s assistant coach, includes a blend of fresh talent and seasoned professionals. Midfielder Teddy Akumu and defender Johnstone Omurwa bring experience to the young team, which also features three England-based newcomers: Zech Obiero from Leyton Orient, George Gitau from Middlesbrough, and Jeremy Bissau from BrookeHouse College.
The selection also highlights promising players from the Kenya U20 team, such as Aldrine Kibet and Amos Wanjala, who are honing their skills in Spain, and Faiz Ochieng, who is making strides in the USA. Local talents like Kariobangi Sharks’ Stanley Wilson, Bandari FC’s William Gatimu, and City Stars’ Mohamed Bejaber have also earned their spots on the team.
The team will commence their residential training camp on June 20th and depart for the tournament following the conclusion of the domestic league season. The provisional squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Bryne Omondi (Bandari), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz).
Defenders: Alphonce Omija (Dhofar, Oman), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Boniface Onyango (Tusker), Geoffrey Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks), Hanniff Wesonga (KCB), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy, Spain), Johnstone Omurwa (Portugal), Faiz Opande (USA), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka).
Midfielders: Wilson Stanley (Kariobangi Sharks), Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia), John Ochieng (Zanaco, Zambia), Anthony Akumu (Unattached), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports, Spain), Bajaber Mohammed (City Stars), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Patrick Otieno (Posta Rangers), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Emmanuel Osoro (Nzoia Sugar), William Gatimu (Bandari), Fortune Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards).
Forwards: Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Josphat Lopaga (Dynamo Brest, Belarus), Samuel Kapen (Nairobi City Stars), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient, England), George Gitau (Middlesborough, England), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College, England).
This young team represents a new generation of Kenyan football, ready to showcase their talent on the international stage. The COSAFA Championship presents an opportunity for these rising stars to gain valuable experience and make their mark in the world of football.
