NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – Champions Tusker FC have the highest number of players who made it to the Kenyan Premier League All-Stars team that will travel to United Kingdom to play English Premier League side Hull City in a friendly match at the KCM Stadium February 27.
Tusker captain James Situma, forward Allan Wanga, midfielder Humphrey Mieno and goal keeper David Okello complete the Brewers list that produced four players.
Gor Mahia has two players in midfielder Amos Nondi and defender Harun Shakava while their arch rivals AFC Leopards also has two players in defender Robinson Kamura and Harun Nyaka.
Other players who will make the KPL All Stars team are 2016 KPL Top scorer John Mark Makwatta (Ulinzi Stars), newly signed Kariobangi Sharks utility player Orsbone Monday, keeper Patrick Matasi (Posta Rangers), Wesley Onguso (Western Stima), Cliff Kasuti (Ulinzi Stars), David King’atua (Bandari) Chris Oruchum (Thika United), Moses Odhiambo (Sofapaka) and Geoffrey Kataka (Posta Ranger).
Youngster midfielder Joshua Otieno of Sony Sugar also made the list
The team was selected by the Hull City coaches after two weeks of rigorous training and evaluation.
The Technical Bench will include Team Manager Neville Pudo and Head Coach Stanley Okumbi
The 18 were part of an initial team of 47 which was picked last year following two weeks of talent scouting by visiting Hull City coaches in November.
FKF President Nick Mwenda congratulated the team and wished them well.
“The coaches who made the trip to Kenya from Hull City have led the players through their sessions, working on the technical skills and overall match preparedness. From my conversations with the coaches the selection of these 18 players has not been an easy task since all the 47 players who joined the camp have shown their technical prowess,” said SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri.
Hull City professional development coach Richard O’Donelle who joined the camp in the second week of training said: “It was a very difficult decision and very close.”
He advised the players going to Hull for the February 27 game to expect cold weather and a high tempo game.