This archive report was first published on 14 July 2021.
Kenya's Emerging Stars, the national Under-23 team, has departed for Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, to participate in the CECAFA Under-23 Challenge Cup, which kicks off on July 18, 2021. The team, coached by Stanley Okumbi, is confident of a strong performance in the tournament.
The team has been training for weeks, and Okumbi has named a strong squad for the tournament. The squad includes overage players Bernard Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri, and David Odhiambo, who will be relied upon to lead the team to victory.
Okumbi expressed confidence in his team, stating, 'We know it's going to be a very tough tournament, but we are ready to face anyone. According to the quality we have in the team, we don't have an excuse not to perform, and we have to go out and do well for the country.'
The team has a talented field to pick from, with players like Henry Meja, Benson Omala, and Reagan Otieno expected to grab the goals for the Emerging Stars.
Here is the squad for the CECAFA U23 tournament:
- Goalkeepers: Caleb Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks)
- Defenders: Sylvester Owino (Kakamega Homeboyz), Bernard Ochieng (Wazito FC), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Bonface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Wepo (KCB FC)
- Midfielders: Yidah Sven (Nairobi City Stars), Marvin Nabwire (AFC Leopards), Vincent Wasambo (KCB FC), Austine Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Regean Otieno (KCB FC), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Josphat Lopaga (Posta Rangers), Steiner Musasia (Posta Rangers), John Njuguna (Ulinzi Stars), Boniface Muchiri (Tusker FC), David Odhiambo (Kakamega Homeboyz)
- Forwards: Benson Omala (Gor Mahia), Henry Meja (Tusker), Alfred Tanui (Kisumu All Stars)
