GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

By GILBERT WANDERA

Jacob Mulee began his fourth stint at Harambee Stars coach with major surprises as he unveiled his squad to face Uganda next month.

Mulee, who was addressing his first press conference since being appointed last week, said a loss to Uganda will mean the team has to prepare to watch the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals on television. His first surprise was the exclusion of Norway-based goalkeeper Arnold Origi and experienced mid-fielder Robert Mambo who plays in Sweden.

Of Origi he said: “It was clear that when he came here for the last match, he did not have the requisite fitness so we have left him out, but he is still in our plans for the future.”

Jacob Mulee

He said Mambo, who was recalled for the match against Guinea Bissau, had lost out due to huge competition for places in the midfield.

“I respect Mambo and he has done a lot for this team, but for now he has no space in my squad and we cannot just call him to inspire the young boys,” he said.

Mambo had been retained by former coach Twahir Muhiddin largely due to his experience. He did not feature in the match against Bissau this month.

Mulee surprisingly announced the invitation of Congolese import Bob Mugalia to the team.

Mugalia, who is a refugee is eligible to play for Kenya. The Sofapaka player has asked for more time to consider the matter before giving his final word.

“We included him in the squad, but he asked to consult with his family. If he is available we’ll use him for the up-coming fixtures,” he said of the Sofapaka player.

Mulee has also called up for the first time, several players, among them Red Berets goalkeeper Wycliff Kasanya, Haevenar Maloba (Mathare United), Kepha Aswani (Thika United), Stephen Ocholla (Ulinzi), Johanna Omolo (Luxemborg), James Orundu (AFC Leopards) and Ezekiel Odera (KCB). The team goes to camp on Monday at a venue to be announced later.

The full squad: Goalkeepers: Wilson Obungu (Sofapaka), Martin Musalia (Mathare United), Wycliff Kasanya (Red Berets); Defenders: Haevenar Maloba (Mathare United), Julius Owino (Gor Mahia), George Owino (Sofapaka), Christopher Wekesa (Gor), Godfrey Kokoyo (Ulinzi), Edgar Ochieng (Sofapaka), David Otieno (Sony), Anthony Kimani (Mathare United); Midfielders: Kevin Omondi (Gor), Chrispine Olando (Tusker), Levy Muaka (City Stars), Chester Okoyo (Ulinzi), Osborne Monday (Sofapaka), Kepha Aswani (Thika), Stephen Ocholla (Ulinzi Stars), James Situma (Sofapaka), Macdonald Mariga (Inter-Milan), Patrick Osiako (Mjalby Sweden), Johanna Omollo (FC Fola Luxemborg), James Onduru (AFC Leopards); Strikers: Dennis Oliech (Auxerre), Victor Mugabe (Beerschot-Belgium), Ezekiel Odera (KCB), Allan Wanga, John Baraza (Sofapaka) and George Odhiambo (Gor).