Coach Engin Firat Names Harambee Stars Squad To Face Iran In International Friendly
Kenya national team head Coach Engin Firat has named the provisional squad for the March 28, 2023, friendly against Iran in Tehran. The 30-man squad has combinations of Newbies and seasoned Harambee stars players
The Turkish tactician 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. 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.”
The squad has international players with Kenyan roots who play in Europe. Danish-born Kenyan defender Daniel Anyembe, who has captained the Denmark under 23 national side and 25 years old Kenyan born Norwegian Alfred Scriven who plays for IL Hodd in Norway have received their first call up to the Harambee Stars fold.
FKF Premier League top scorers Benson Omalla, and Elvis Rupia, have been called to beef up Captain Michael Olunga upfront.
Others are Duke Abuya, Kenneth Muguna, Richard Odada (Philadelphia Union, USA) Belgium-based Joseph Okumu (Gent) and Erick Ouma (AIK) lead a defensive line that includes Daniel Sakari (Tusker) and David Ochieng (Mathare).
The team reports to camp on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi (Police FC), Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Bryne Odhiambo (KCB), Levin Opiyo (AFC Leopards)
Defenders
Joseph Okumu (Gent, Belgium), Brian Mandela (South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Andrew Juma (Bandari), David Ochieng (Mathare United), Maurice Owino (KCB), Collins Shichenje (AIK, Sweden), Mohamed Siraj (Bandari), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), Abud Omar (Kenya Police)
Midfielders
Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Richard Odada (Philadelphia Union, USA), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Joseph Mwangi (Nzoia Sugar), Kenneth Muguna (Azam, Tanzania), Abdallah Hasan (Bandari), Duke Abuya (Kenya Police), Wilkims Ochieng (FC Koper, Slovenia), Moses Mudavadi (KK Homeboyz), Alvin Mang’eni (Kenya Police), Hasan Beja (Nzoia Sugar), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards)
Forwards
Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway)
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