Kenya Police dominate provisional Harambee Stars squad
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Mar 15, 2023
Kenya Police has dominated the national team, Harambee Stars squad named by head coach Engin Firat for the upcoming International friendly match against Iran in Tehran on March 28.
The 30-man squad features a strong contingent of local based players and experienced foreign-based players.
Police's new signings Patrick Matasi, Abud Omar, youngster Alvin Mang'eni, Duke Abuya and Elvis Rupia are all in the provisional squad set to report to camp on Friday.
Coach Firat says the camp is about rebuilding the team dynamic.
"We are looking forward to seeing the boys, to find out how they are doing and to begin to reconnect. We have not met in over 500 days, so this camp is about coming together and learning to play together again."
READ MORE
Doctors set 90-day ultimatum for pay talks, warn of strike
Kenya, Italy adopt four-year cooperation plan after Ruto-Meloni talks
FKF Premier League leaders Gor Mahia has been represented by top scorer Benson Omalla (19 goals) and Alpha Onyango.
Nzoia Sugar's remarkable league form has resulted in maiden call-ups for midfielder Hassan Beja and playmaker Joseph Mwangi. AFC Leopards midfielder Victor Omune and goalkeeper Levis Opiyo also receives his first international call-up after a productive season for Ingwe. Others are Bryne Odhiambo (KCB).
The squad also includes international players with Kenyan roots who play in Europe.
Danish-born defender Daniel Anyembe, who has captained the Denmark under 23 national side and striker Alfred Scriven who plays for IL Hodd in Norway have received their first invites to the national team.
"We need a better scouting system to find players who are available to play for Kenya and convince them early to do so.
"These players have an advantage because some of them have played even in European national teams at junior levels so they are tactically and mentally ready. Other African countries are doing this and we need to do the same," said Firat.
Qatar-based striker Michael Olunga leads the foreign legion in the squad that has Gent defender Joseph Okumu, FC Koper's Wilkims Ochieng, AIK's Eric Ouma, Estrella's Johnstone Omurwa and Brian Mandela of Mamelodi Sundowns among others.
The team is set to depart for Tehran on March 26.
Harambee Stars Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Ian Otieno (Zesco), Bryne Odhiambo (KCB), Levin Opiyo (AFC Leopards)
Defenders: Joseph Okumu (Gent), Brian Mandela (Sundowns), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela), Eric Ouma (AIK), Andrew Juma (Bandari), David Ochieng (Mathare United), Maurice Owino (KCB), Collins Shichenje (AIK), Mohamed Siraj (Bandari), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), Abud Omar (Kenya Police).
Midfielders: Amos Nondi (Ararat), Richard Odada (Philadelphia Union), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Joseph Mwangi (Nzoia Sugar), Kenneth Muguna (Azam), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari), Duke Abuya (Kenya Police), Wilkims Ochieng (FC Koper), Moses Mudavadi (KK Homeboyz), Alvin Mang'eni (Kenya Police), Hassan Beja (Nzoia Sugar), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards).
Strikers: Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Masud Juma (Difaa El Jadidi), Alfred Scriven (IL Hodd), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail)