Kenya’s Harambee Stars U23 squad for the upcoming 2024 COSAFA Cup has been unveiled by coach Ken Odhiambo. This tournament, where Kenya is invited as a guest participant, aligns with the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) vision of providing a platform for the nation’s Emerging Stars to gain international experience and exposure. Here, we delve into the squad’s details, the inclusion of experienced and young talents, and the preparations leading up to the tournament.
Coach and Support Team
The team will be under the expert guidance of Harambee Stars assistant coach Ken Odhiambo, supported by William Muluya from the senior national team. The duo aims to blend tactical acumen and experience to mold a competitive squad for the COSAFA Cup.
Preparations and Training
Preparations for the tournament will begin on June 20, 2024, when the team commences residential training in Nairobi. The 2024 COSAFA Cup, set to be hosted in South Africa from June 26 to July 7, 2024, presents an excellent opportunity for the U23 squad to showcase their skills on an international stage.
Inclusion of Experienced and Young Talent
The squad features a strategic blend of seasoned players and promising young talents. Experienced players such as Anthony Akumu and Johnstone Omurwa have been included to provide leadership and stability. Additionally, U18 prodigies Amos Wanjala and Aldrine Kibet, who made a significant impact at last year’s CECAFA U18 Championships, have also been drafted into the team.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
– Bryne Omondi (Bandari)
– Brian Bwire (Tusker)
– Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks)
– Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Defenders:
– Alphonce Omija (Dhofar, Oman)
– Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia)
– Boniface Onyango (Tusker)
– Geoffrey Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks)
– Hanniff Wesonga (KCB)
– Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy, Spain)
– Johnstone Omurwa (Portugal)
– Faiz Opande (USA)
– Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka)
Midfielders:
– Wilson Stanley (Kariobangi Sharks)
– Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia)
– John Ochieng (Zanaco, Zambia)
– Anthony Akumu (Unattached)
– Chrispine Erambo (Tusker)
– Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports, Spain)
– Bajaber Mohammed (City Stars)
– Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia)
– Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
– Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
– Patrick Otieno (Posta Rangers)
– Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards)
– Emmanuel Osoro (Nzoia Sugar)
– William Gatimu (Bandari)
– Fortune Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks)
– Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards)
Forwards:
– Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia)
– Josphat Lopaga (Dynamo Brest, Belarus)
– Samuel Kapen (Nairobi City Stars)
– Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz)
– Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient, England)
– George Gitau (Middlesbrough, England)
– Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College, England)
Key Highlights and Strategy
Blending Experience and Youth:
The inclusion of experienced players such as Anthony Akumu, who brings invaluable expertise, along with young talents like Amos Wanjala and Aldrine Kibet, underscores the strategic approach of combining experience with youthful energy. This blend aims to create a balanced team capable of competing at a high level while providing young players with crucial international exposure.
Tactical Preparations:
Coach Ken Odhiambo and assistant William Muluya are focusing on creating a cohesive unit that can adapt to different match situations. The training sessions starting on June 20 will be crucial for instilling tactical discipline and teamwork among the players.
Focus on Defense and Midfield Control:
With a solid defensive lineup including Johnstone Omurwa and Hanniff Wesonga, the team aims to build a strong backline. In midfield, players like Anthony Akumu and Aldrine Kibet are expected to control the tempo of the game, ensuring a smooth transition from defense to attack.
Attacking Prowess:
The forward line, featuring talents like Benson Omalla and Josphat Lopaga, is geared towards a dynamic attacking approach. These players are known for their goal-scoring abilities and will be pivotal in breaking down opposition defenses.
Implications for the Future
Platform for Emerging Stars:
Participation in the COSAFA Cup aligns with FKF’s vision of nurturing young talents by giving them international exposure. This tournament will serve as a critical step in their development, providing a platform to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.
Building for Major Tournaments:
The experience gained from competing in the COSAFA Cup will be instrumental as Kenya prepares for future major tournaments. The insights and learnings from this competition will help in building a stronger, more competitive national team.
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