Local-based Harambee Stars squad fly to Morocco ahead of international friendlies

Harambee Stars lining up in a past friendly match. [Photo: Courtesy]

A group of nine locally-based players comprising the Harambee Stars squad have flown to Morocco in preparation for the weekend international friendly matches.

A statement by the Football Kenya Federation posted on their website indicates that the players have taken early flight to allow room for preparation against Comoros on March 24, Saturday. The match will be played in Marrakech Morocco, after which they will lock horns with Central African Republic three days later at the same venue.

While explaining the fate of the foreign-based players, FKF statement stated:

“Foreign-based players, who make up the better part of the squad are set to check in later in the week, in time for the friendly matches.”

Kenyan squad currently comprise the following players:

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi (Posta Rangers), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks), Faruk Shikalo (Bandari)

Defenders

Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia), Brian Mandela (Maritzburg United, South Africa), David Ochieng, (IF Brommapojkarna, Sweden), David Owino (Zesco, Zambia), Abud Omar (Slava Sofia, Bulgaria)

Midfielders

Patilah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks), Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia), Duncan Otieno (AFC Leopards), Samuel Onyango (Gor Mahia), Athuman Ismael Gonzales (CF Fuenlabrada, Spain), Anthony Akumu (Zesco, Zambia), Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspurs, England), McDonald Mariga (Real Oviedo, Spain), Johanna Omollo (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium), Paul Were (FC Kaisar, Kazakhstan), Eric Johana Omondi (IF Brommapojkarna, Sweden)

Forwards

Ayub Timbe (Heilongjiang FC, China), Cliffton Miheso (Buildcon FC, Zambia), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks), Jesse Were (Zesco FC, Zambia), Michael Olunga (Girona FC, Spain)

The friendly matches precede the recent resignation of Paul Put as the head coach of Harambee Stars, in which he cited myriad reasons. The Belgian tactician has been reported to have taken up the coaching role in Guinea after their dismal performance at the CAF championship.

Former Harambee Stars player Stanley Okumbi has resumed the duty of managing the national team on an acting capacity.