Kenya Football .:. Story - Harambee Stars Cecafa Squad Named

PASCAL Ochieng of Kenya Commercial Bank(KCB), Austin Makacha (Unattached) and Geoffrey Kokoyo of Ulinzi Stars are some of the Harambee Stars key players who have been dropped from the squad that will represent the country in the Senior Challenge Cup that kicks off from November 24 in Nairobi and Mumias.

Nevertheless, former Mathare United striker Francis Ouma who is currently on trials in Portugal has been included in the team that begins residential camp on Monday Nov 23 at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.

New call-ups in the team named today (Friday) by team Manager Edward Odour include Gor Mahia bulky defender Christopher Wekesa and Finland based Amos Chona. The latter is a team-mate to Goalkeeper Willis Ochieng who plies his trade in Finland with IFK Marieham FC.

Also making a comeback to the team after a two years absence is Ulinzi Stars winger Lawrence Owino and team-mate Evans Amuoka.

While naming the team yesterday, Odour said he was pursuing the services of a one Lawrence Olum who plays with a second Division side in the United States to join the team. "We have reliable information that Olum is doing wonders with his club and we want to give him a chance,”said Odour.

Twahir Muhiddin still remains the head coach, replacing German-born Antoine Hey who abandoned the team last week. Twahir will take charge of the team with the assistance from the "Council of Elders,” led by Mohamed Kheri, Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee and Vince Ombiji respectively.

Several professional players have been included in the team. They include Patrick Oboya (FK Banik Most Czech), Allan Wanga (Petro de Luanda,Angola),
Goalkeeper Willis Ochieng(IFK Marieham Finland) and players drawn from neighbouring Tanzania clubs.

Those from Tanzania include John Njoroge, Ibrahim Shikanda and George Owino who is set to join newly promoted Posta Rangers FC who have been enlisted in the team.

Also included in the 23-man squad is midfield star Jamal Mohamed who is unattached.

Surprisingly dropped from the team is former Mathare United midfielder Austin Makacha whose contract with IK Serius of Sweden ended few
months ago.

Overseas based players dropped include Dennis Oliech,Victor Mugabe(Germinal Beerschot) and Sweden based Patrick Otsiako who returned back to link up with their clubs after their 3-2 loss to Nigeria's Super Eagles.

Subsequently, Captain Musa Otieno has announced his official retirement from International matches.

Harambee stars squad

Goalkeepers-

Willis Ochieng (Finland)
Wilson Oburu (Sofapaka)
David Okello (Thika United)

Defenders-

Julius Owino(Gor Mahia)
Edgar Ochieng (Mathare United)
John Njoroge(Yanga TZ)
George Owino( Posta Rangers)
Jockins Atudo(Tusker)
Ibrahim Shikanda(Azam Tanzania)
Chris Wekesa(Gor Mahia)

Midfielders-

Jerry Santos(Tusker)
Patrick Oboya(Czech Siad Most)
Amos Chona(Plays the same club in Finland with Gk Willis)
James Situma(Sofapaka)
Jamal Mohamed(Un-attached)
Lawrence Owino(Ulinzi Stars)
Hillary Echessa(Simba SC Tanzania)
Ibrahim Kitawi(Gor Mahia)

Strikers-

George Odhiambo(Gor Mahia)
Francis Ouma(former Mathare United striker
currently on trials in Portugal)
Evans Amuoka(Ulinzi Stars)
John Barasa (Sofapaka)
Allan Wanga (Angola)

The Team manager is also talking with a one Lawrence Olum who plays with a second Division team in United States with a possibility of calling him to join the team.

New call-ups include Chris Wekesa (Gor mahia), Amos Chona(Finland), Evans Amuoka and Lawrence
Owino(both from Ulinzi Stars).