NAIROBI, Kenya, June 6- Norway based keeper, Arnold Origi has made the final travelling Harambee Stars travelling squad of 22 that will leave for Namibia on Thursday where they will play the hosts in the team’s second 2014 World Cup qualifier.
Origi, who had announced international retirement in January before reversing the decision missed last weekend’s opening Group F tie against Malawi due to commitments with his club Ull/Kisa.
Head coach, Francis Kimanzi, rolled out his travelling party to Namibia that will transit through Johannesburg on Wednesday with Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Sofapaka FC defender Eugene Wasike, who was called up in place of injured deputy captain Pascal Ochieng the only other change from the side that drew 0-0 with The Flames in Nairobi.
Origi who has made 16 appearances for Harambee Stars since his debut in 2005 was the first choice custodian for Stars but it remains to be seen whether Kimanzi will start him in Windhoek on Saturday in place of KPL champions Tusker FC keeper Boniface Oluoch who had a blinder as the team struggled to get past a well grilled Malawi side.
Stars are expected to arrive in Namibia 1630hrs local time (+1 EAT) and will hold their first training session on Friday ahead of their clash against the hosts at Namibia National Stadium.
The last time Kimanzi visited the South African nation with the team was during his first World Cup qualifier where his team narrowly lost 2-1.
He then went on to secure Kenya’s passage to the final round of South Africa 2010 qualifiers after winning his home games against Saturday’s opponents, Zimbabwe and Guinea coupled with a draw in Harare and another slim 3-2 defeat in Conakry before he was relieved of his duties in February 2009.
After their match, Stars are scheduled to remain in Namibia for three days before travelling to Ghana to prepare for their June 17 Africa Nations Cup return-leg knock-out qualifier against Togo in Lome where Kenya will seek to defend a 2-1 lead.
Third choice keeper, Patrick Matasi of AFC Leopards who sat out the Malawi game will not make the Namibia trip with Sofapaka’s Duncan Ochieng who replaced him on the bench getting the nod.
TRAVELLING TEAM
Keepers: Arnold Origi (Ull/Kisa/Norway), Boniface Otieno (Tusker FC), Duncan Ochieng (Sofapaka)
Defenders: Mulinge Ndetto (Ulinzi Stars), Brian Mandela (Tusker FC), James Situma (Sofapaka FC), Jockins Atudo (Tusker FC), Joseph Shikokoti (Tusker FC), Eugene Asike (Sofapaka FC), Dennis Nzomo (Mathare United).
Midfielders: Titus Mulama (St Eloi Lupopo/DRC), Victor Mugube (Glasgow Celtic/Scotland), Kelvin Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Humphrey Mieno (Sofapaka FC), Clifford Miheso (Thika United), Jamal Mohammed (Mathare United), Collins Okoth (Gor Mahia), Kevin Kimani (unattached), Patrick Osiako (Petrolul Ploiești/Romania)
Forwards: Dennis Oliech (AJ Auxerre/France), Kepha Aswani (Thika United), Paul Were (AFC Leopards)
Technical Bench: Francis Kimanzi (Head Coach), Francis Baraza, Joseph Kyenzi (assistant coaches), Haggai Azande (Goalkeeper coach), Wycliffe Makanga (team doctor).
