By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kenya will field an under 23 team at the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
Harambee Stars assistant coach Ken Odhiambo has already named a provisional squad for the tournament where Kenya will feature as a guest team.
Odhiambo will be assisted by Kariobangi Sharks assistant coach William Mluhya.The tournament will be held in South Africa on June 26 to July 7.
Preparations for the regional showpiece kick off on June 20, 2024, when the team starts residential training in Nairobi.
Fielding an under 23 team aligns with the Football Kenya Federation’s vision of providing a platform for the nation’s Emerging Stars to gain international experience and exposure.
A few experienced players, including Anthony Akumu and Johnstone Omurwa, have also been drafted into the team, alongside U18 prodigies Amos Wanjala and Aldrine Kibet, who made a mark at last year’s CECAFA U18 Championships.
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 (Middlesborough, England), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College, England)
