In a bold move aligned with the Football Kenya Federation’s vision of nurturing emerging talent, Coach Ken Odhiambo has announced the Harambee Stars U23 squad for the upcoming 2024 COSAFA Cup.
Kenya, participating as a guest nation, sees this tournament as an opportunity to provide international exposure to its rising stars.
The squad boasts a mix of youth and experience, with seasoned players such as Anthony Akumu and Johnstone Omurwa complementing the youthful exuberance of U18 prodigies Amos Wanjala and Aldrine Kibet.
Wanjala and Kibet, who showcased their potential at last year’s CECAFA U18 Championships, are expected to be instrumental in the team’s performance.
Ken Odhiambo, the Harambee Stars assistant coach, will helm the U23 team, with senior national team counterpart William Muluya offering support.
The team’s preparations are set to begin on June 20, 2024, with a residential training camp in Nairobi.
The 2024 COSAFA Cup, hosted in South Africa from June 26 to July 7, 2024, promises to be a significant stepping stone for these young players.
Provisional Squad
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 (Middlesbrough, England)
- Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College, England)
The blend of promising youth and seasoned veterans is set to give the Harambee Stars U23 squad a competitive edge in the regional tournament, reflecting Kenya’s commitment to building a robust pipeline of football talent.
