Mariga in Stars squad to face Tanzania

By Gilbert Wandera

Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga will play his first match for the country since signing for the European champions next month.

Mariga has been named in a 31-man squad to face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on August 11 in an international build-up match in Dar-es-Saalam. Kenya has named a full strength squad for the match to be played on world football governing body Fifa’s Friendly Day. Mariga has not played for Harambee Stars since making the move to Inter Milan in February.

Other foreign-based players called up include AJ Auxerre striker Dennis Oliech, Patrick Osiako (Sweden) and Victor Mugabe (Belgium).

Football Kenya vice-chairman, Titus Kasuve, said that the foreign based players would fly directly to the Tanzanian capital from their European bases.

"We have made arrangements for them to go directly to Tanzania, and then leave immediately after the match," he told Feverpitch, yesterday.

Local players called up to the team will start training next Monday under coach Twahir Muhiddin. Kasuve said they are in consultation with the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clubs to release the players for training during the week.

"We understand the league is at a crucial stage but will still ask the clubs to avail their players for about two or three days of training," he said.

Elsewhere, Sudan arrive in the country this morning for their weekend Africa Junior Under-20 qualifier at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Preparations for the match have been finalised, and tickets will be sold on Saturday. Those sitting on the terraces will pay Sh100, while VIP tickets will cost Sh300.

Coach Vince Ombiji said yesterday he was ready to face their opponents, and even though he carries a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, nothing is guaranteed.

He said: "We are not taking any chances despite our advantage. Our opponents know us, and we intend to make one or two changes to our line-up depending on the style we intend to use."

Ombiji said they were not underrating their opponents, but were confident of a positive result.