Squad Changes and New Inclusions
The Kenya National Men’s Football Team Harambee Stars has undergone a late squad overhaul ahead of their residential training camp for upcoming international friendlies. Head coach Benni McCarthy has been compelled to make several adjustments to the final roster, which has inadvertently opened opportunities for new talent.
Among the players no longer joining the camp are striker Ryan Ogam, midfielder Job Ochieng, and goalkeeper Byrne Omondi. Their departures have led to the inclusion of new faces, with Polokwane City‘s Brian Bwire stepping into the goalkeeping role. He joins Faruk Shikhalo and ADO Den Haag‘s Caleb Kramer in the squad.
Experienced midfielder Amos Nondi also returns to the team, aiming to bolster the defensive midfield with his international experience. Perhaps the most notable addition is AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada, whose impressive performances in the Kenyan Premier League earned him a call-up to the national team. Madada’s technical skills and creative play are expected to add a new dimension alongside established midfielders like Richard Odada and Chris Erambo.
McCarthy’s selections appear to favour a blend of youthful local talent and overseas-based players. The squad includes defensive players such as Erick Ouma and emerging prospect Sydney Agina, while the attack features Austine Odhiambo and Hull City‘s Sammy Hena-Kamau. This phase is seen as crucial for building a resilient and deep squad in preparation for the AFCON 2027 tournament.
Fixture Adjustments and Preparations
The Harambee Stars‘ schedule for the June international window has also seen significant changes. Initially, Kenya was slated to play against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan. However, due to logistical challenges, these fixtures have been cancelled.
Instead, the national team will now face Lesotho in a two-match international friendly series. Both matches are scheduled to take place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. The first encounter is set for Thursday, June 4, 2026, with the second match following on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Both games will kick off at 4:00 PM East Africa Time.
The decision to play against African opposition is considered more relevant for the Harambee Stars as they continue their preparations for upcoming continental competitions, including the PAMOJA AFCON 2027 qualifiers. These matches will provide McCarthy and his technical staff with a valuable opportunity to assess the squad and evaluate players as competition for national team places intensifies.
The team reported to camp on Monday, June 1st, and is scheduled to depart for South Africa on Tuesday. This period of intense transition and tactical fluidity is aimed at testing the squad’s resilience and unearthing a core group of players capable of representing Kenya at AFCON 2027 on home soil.
Full Squad Details
The final squad for the June friendlies includes:
- Goalkeepers: Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo, Caleb Kramer
- Defenders: Erick Ouma, Stanley Wilson, Sylvester Owino, Frank Odhiambo, Alphonce Omija, Deon Woodman, Rooney Onyango, Sydney Agina
- Midfielders: Richard Odada, Chris Erambo, Clarke Odour, Will Lenkupae, Austine Odhiambo, Zech Obiero
- Attackers: Kelly Madada, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Sammy Hena-Kamau, Micah Obiero, Amos Nondi, Lawrence Okoth
This revised programme is expected to benefit McCarthy’s long-term plans for the team as they continue their journey towards future continental assignments, with the first match against Lesotho scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Kwame Ofori
Evelyn Mensah
Yaw Appiah
Ama Serwah