By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kenyan’s U23 national team, the upcoming COSAFA Cup in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on Saturday intensified their training ahead of the tournament.
Kenya will participate in the tournament as a guest team. The competition starts on June 26, 2024. Departure dates to South Africa are tentatively set for Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Twenty out of the 34 players initially called up took part in today’s double session, with the rest expected to be involved tomorrow.
Those who were part of the team include senior players Anthony Akumu and Johnstone Omurwa, as well as Alphonce Omija, Chrispine Erambo, Baron Ochieng, Haniff Wesonga, Rooney Onyango, Kaycie Odhiambo and Alpha Onyango who have previously been part of the senior team.
The rest are Sebastian Wekesa, Paul Ochuoga, Boniface Onyango, Geoffrey Onyango, Wilson Stanley, Shariff Musa, Bajaber Mohammed, Patrick Otieno, Hassan Beja, Fortune Omoto, and Samuel Kapen.
Spain based Adrin Kibet and Amos Wanjala are expected in the country on Sunday.
Kenya has been pooled in Group B alongside Zambia, Comoros, and Zimbabwe. The U23 Stars will kick off their campaign against Zambia on June 27, 2024, at the NMB Stadium. They will then face Comoros on June 30, 2024, at the Wolfson Stadium and conclude their group matches with a match against Zimbabwe on July 2, 2024, at the Wolfson Stadium.
The top teams from the three groups and the best runner-up will advance to the tournament’s semi-finals.
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), Jacob Onyango (Sofapaka)
