Kenya:Kimanzi names provisional squad for Zambia friendly

By Samuel Ouma

Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has called up 34 players in Harambee Stars provisional squad for Zambia friendly match.

The match is a build-up to the upcoming back to back Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Comoros in November 2020.

Kimanzi handed a call-up to Barnsley defender Clarke Oduor and experienced goalkeeper Arnold Origi.

The 36-year-old custodian has not featured for the Stars for five years now. The ex-Kenya one has been overlooked after it emerged that he had secured Norwegian citizenship.

In May 2020, he told the Nations Sports that he won’t mind playing for Kenya again if given a chance by the coach.

“I have dual citizenship and I’m eligible. It’s always a dream to play for my country. If the coach thinks I’m good enough I will honour the call-up. Of course, I want to achieve more with the national team and there is still time for that because I’m still actively playing and not planning to stop any time soon. The opportunities will still arise to do something great with the national team,” he reiterated.

The last time Origi played for Kenya was in March 2016 against Guinea Bissau at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. Kenya was humbled 1-0 by their opponents.

Reports indicate that Kashiwa Reysol striker Michael Olunga, captain Victor Wanyama, and midfield Johanna Omollo may miss the match due to the strict COVID-19 protocols imposed by the countries from which they ply their trade.

However, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is in constant communication with their clubs with a view of having the players released ahead of the friendly.

The match is slated for October 10, at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani behind closed doors.Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers
Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Defenders
Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Harun Shakava (Nkana, Zambia), Clarke Oduor (Barnsley, England), Hillary Wandera (Tusker, Kenya), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya), Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Badi Baraka (KCB, Kenya)

Midfielders
Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Francis Kahata (Simba, Tanzania), Eric Johanna (Jonkoping’s Sodra IF, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaiser Chief, South Africa), Johanna Omollo (Cercle Brugge K.S.V, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Beijing Renhe, China), Brian Musa (Wazito, Kenya), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Katana Mohamed (Isloch, Belarus), Austin Otieno (AFC Leopards, Kenya)

Forwards
Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), Timothy Otieno (NAPSA Stars, Zambia), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Reserve Team
Robert Mboya (Tusker, Kenya), Stephen Otieno (Sofapaka, Kenya), Michael Mutinda (KCB), Ibrahim Shambi (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya) Chrispinus Onyango (Tusker, Kenya), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia, Kenya