Kenya U23 stars kick off preparations for COSAFA Cup

The Kenyan U23 national team, which will compete in the upcoming COSAFA Cup in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, starting June 26, 2024, today held its first training session.

Twenty out of the 34 players initially called up took part in today’s double session, with the rest expected to be involved tomorrow.

Those who were part of the team today include senior players Anthony Akumu and Johnstone Omurwa, as well as Alphonce Omija, Chrispine Erambo, Baron Ochieng, Haniff Wesonga, Rooney Onyango, Kaycie Odhiambo and Alpha Onyango who have previously been part of the senior team.

The rest are Sebastian Wekesa, Paul Ochuoga, Boniface Onyango, Geoffrey Onyango, Wilson Stanley, Shariff Musa, Bajaber Mohammed, Patrick Otieno, Hassan Beja, Fortune Omoto, and Samuel Kapen.

Departure dates to South Africa are tentatively set for Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

Kenya has been pooled in Group B alongside Zambia, Comoros, and Zimbabwe. The U23 Stars will kick off their campaign against Zambia on June 27, 2024, at the NMB Stadium.

They will then face Comoros on June 30, 2024, at the Wolfson Stadium and conclude their group matches with a match against Zimbabwe on July 2, 2024, at the Wolfson Stadium.

The top teams from the three groups and the best runner-up will advance to the tournament’s semi-finals.

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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 (Middlesborough, England), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College, England), Jacob Onyango (Sofapaka)