Kenya has assembled a formidable 35-man squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup, aiming to make an impact in the regional tournament held in South Africa from June 26 to July 7. Here’s an overview of the squad and their preparations:
**Goalkeepers:**
1. Bryne Omondi (Bandari)
2. Brian Bwire (Tusker)
3. Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks)
4. Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)
**Defenders:**
1. Alphonce Omija (Dhofar, Oman)
2. Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia)
3. Boniface Onyango (Tusker)
4. Geoffrey Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks)
5. Hanniff Wesonga (KCB)
6. Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy, Spain)
7. Johnstone Omurwa (Portugal)
8. Faiz Opande (USA)
9. Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka)
**Midfielders:**
1. Wilson Stanley (Kariobangi Sharks)
2. Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia)
3. John Ochieng (Zanaco, Zambia)
4. Anthony Akumu (Unattached)
5. Chrispine Erambo (Tusker)
6. Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports, Spain)
7. Bajaber Mohammed (City Stars)
8. Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia)
9. Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
10. Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
11. Patrick Otieno (Posta Rangers)
12. Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards)
13. Emmanuel Osoro (Nzoia Sugar)
14. William Gatimu (Bandari)
15. Fortune Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks)
16. Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards)
**Forwards:**
1. Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia)
2. Josphat Lopaga (Dynamo Brest, Belarus)
3. Samuel Kapen (Nairobi City Stars)
4. Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz)
5. Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient, England)
6. George Gitau (Middlesbrough, England)
7. Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College, England)
**Overview:**
– The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, reflecting a strategic blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise.
– Players like Zech Obiero, Aldrine Kibet, and Jeremy Bissau bring international experience from clubs in Europe, while locally-based talents bolster the team’s depth.
– The team will be under the guidance of assistant coach Ken Odhiambo and William Muluya, with preparations starting on June 20 in Nairobi.
– Kenya’s invitation to the COSAFA Cup, following Malawi’s withdrawal, presents an opportunity for the team to showcase their capabilities against Southern African opponents.
With such a diverse and talented squad, Kenya aims to make a mark in the 2024 COSAFA Cup and continue their development in regional football.