NAIROBI, Kenya, August 6 – Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) stalwart Pascal Ochieng will captain Harambee Stars during next week’s tour to the Far East.
Antoine Hey’s side will play Malaysia and Singapore as part of their preparations for next month’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique.
“We are looking forward to this tour. It’s a good atmosphere and hopefully we come back with a good result,” said Hey.
“Pascal has shown great character and attitude as a leader of this group and his also very experienced,” he added.
Stars will play Malaysia on August 12 but it is unclear whether the match against Singapore scheduled for three days later will go ahead.
“FKL (Football Kenya Limited) is still trying to convince KPL (Kenya Premier League) to postpone the matches for that weekend. If that doesn’t happen we will be back on Thursday (August 14).
“We want to use this game to help some of our new strikers get experience. Playing in the league is the first step. Training for the national side and playing international football is the second and third step so we are looking forward it,” said the former Gambia coach.
Jacktone Odhiambo, Duncan Owiti, Dennis Mukaisi and Humphrey Mieno have been dropped from the 20 member squad.
Bandari’s Abdul Musa and John Mwangi of Chemelil will be scrapping for striking positions with George Odhiambo and Joseph Njuguna.
Evans Wandera who scored against the Brazil Select side last Saturday will also be keen to build on his performance as competition for places for the qualifiers heats up.
Squad:
David Okello, Wilson Oburu (Goalkeepers), Pascal Ochieng , Julius Owino , Geoffrey Kokoyo, George Owino, Abdulatif Omar,Thomas Wanyama, James Situma, Joakins Atudo (Defence), Jerry Santos, Abdul Simba, Peter Opiyo, Ibrahim Kitawi, Fred Ajwang, Evans Wandera, (Midfield), Joseph Njuguna, George Odhiambo, John Mwangi, Abdul Musa
