Tusker FC utility player Orsborne Monday in action in a past KPL match. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 25 –Tusker FC duo of Orsborne Monday and Allan Wanga have made a comeback to Harambee Stars, as coach Stanley Okumbi named a 25-man local based provisional squad ahead of the international friendly matches in November.
The two will be playing under Okumbi for the first time with midfielder Monday returning to the squad for the first time since 2014 when he featured in the friendly match against Morocco.
Also back is Posta Rangers goal keeper Patrick Matasi who will be fighting to earn selection in the team to face Mozambique and Liberia at home on November 12 and 15 respectively.
None of the AFC Leopards players made the list dominated by Kenyan Premier League defending champions Gor Mahia and Posta Rangers who have five players each.
Bandari midfielder Darius Msagaha is among seven debutants included in the team that is set to report residential training camp next week.
National Super League’s Morgen Otinya from Palos FC, Vihiga United midfielder Michael Misigo, Chemelil Sugar’s Jaffary Owiti, Mathare United defender David Mwangi, Posta Rangers’ Simon Mbugua and Cavin Odondo complete the list of the new comers.
Okumbi is expected to name the foreign based players in due course as he seeks to continue with the impressive performance after beating Africa Cup of Nations bound DR Congo 1-0 away in Lubumbashi.
The DR Congo friendly win saw Kenya climb six places up in the October FIFA rankings to sit 85th in the world and second best in East Africa behind Uganda who are placed 72nd globally.
Okumbi will be using the build-up matches to prepare a formidable team that will take part at the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup slated for December.
The coach will also be looking to build a consistent squad in readiness for the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers since Kenya will not be participating in major tournaments next year.
-Provisional local Squad-
Goalkeepers: Bonface Oluoch (Gor Mahia), David Okello (Tusker FC), Patrick Matasi (Posta Rangers) and James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars).
Defenders: Musa Mohammed, Harun Shakava, Erick Ouma (Gor Mahia), Simon Mbugua, Jockins Atudo (Posta Rangers), Robinson Kamura, David Mwangi (Mathare United, Bernard Oginga (Vihiga United).
Midfielders: Kenneth Mugambi (Western Stima), Victor Majid, Jaffary Owiti (Chemelil Sugar FC), Lawrence Juma (Nzoia United), Duncan Otieno (Posta Rangers), Amos Nondi (Gor Mahia), Michael Misigo (Vihiga United), Dairus Msagaha (Bandari FC), Osborne Monday (Tusker FC), Eric Johanna (Mathare United), Morven Otinya (Palos FC).
Strikers: Allan Wanga (Tusker FC), Cavin Odongo (Posta Rangers), John Makwatta (Ulinzi Stars).
