NAIROBI, Kenya, November 16- Congolese born striker Bob Mugalia is among five fresh call ups to Harambee Stars’ squad ahead of this year’s Tusker CECAFA Cup.
The speedster who arrived in Kenya as a refugee from Democratic Republic of Congo and last September indicated willingness to play for his adopted home, was included in a 26 man provisional squad named on Tuesday.
Gor Mahia goalkeeper Jerim Onyango has been rewarded for his fine form in the second leg of the just concluded season during which he conceded just three goals in 15 matches with a first ever call up to the national team.
Tusker’s Chris Litswa has also been called up as head coach Jacob Ghost Mulee seeks to address the problematic left back position while Bryan Masiolo who was Western Stima’s top scorer in the league has also been given a chance.
Mathare duo of Simon Mburu and Innocent Mutiso also get a first taste of Harambee Stars action.
Sofapaka have produced the bulk of the players with six players called up while Coach Jacob Ghost Mulee has also included three players from freshly minted champions Ulinzi including skipper Stephen Ocholla and Mulinge Munandi and Geoffrey Kokoyo.
Runners up Gor Mahia have chipped in with four players; Abdul Malik, Kevin Omondi, George Odhiambo and Onyango.
There are also recalls for Victor Ali, Fred Ajwang, Ibrahim Shikanda and Boniface Oluoch who have been out of favour.
Team manager Edward Oduor said that the team will start camp on Wednesday afternoon and will be reduced to 20 before they jet out on Saturday morning.
“We will play a friendly against Tanzania on Sunday and after that we will have a week-long camp in Dar es Salaam till the tourney kick off on November 27. We are determined to win the trophy and we want the preparations to be perfect,” said Oduor.
Kenya is drawn in group C with reigning champion Uganda, Malawi and Ethiopia. Stars will start their campaign against Malawi on November 29 before facing Ethiopia in their second match on December 2. Kenya will wrap up its group matches against archrivals Uganda on December 5.
SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Wilson Obungu, Boniface Oluoch, Jerim Onyango.
Defenders: Ibrahim Shikanda, Mulinge Munandi, Havenar Maloba, Chris Litswa, Edgar Ochieng, George Owino, Geoffrey Kokoyo, Llyod Wahome and Osborne Monday.
Midfielders: Stephen Ocholla, James Situma, Victor Ali, Kevin Omondi, Anthony Kimani, Abdul Malik, Fred Ajwang, Simon Mburu.
Strikers: Joshua Oyoo, Innocent Mutiso, George Odhiambo, John Barasa, Bob Mugalia, Bryan Masiolo.