- Assistant coach Vasili Manoukis has revealed why Harambee Stars called youngsters to the team.
- The squad feature Kenya U20 trio and two youngsters from the SportPesa League in line for their debut.
- Harambee Stars face Equatorial Guinea and Senegal on 14 and 18 November respectively.
Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasili Manoukis has underscored the national team’s strategic commitment to blending young talent with experienced players, a move he believes is integral to nurturing the next generation of players.
Speaking to the media during the Harambee Stars open training session on Tuesday afternoon at Nyayo Stadium, Manoukis highlighted the long-term vision after handing a large chunk of callups to young and upcoming players.
In the 24-man squad called up, five players who are barely in the 20s are in line to make their debut in the November friendly matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal on November 14 and 18 respectively.
Why Harambee Stars called youngsters for November matches
“We have taken a little bit of a different approach focusing on AFCON 2027 which is the development of a new crop of players. Lots of youngsters, almost a new-look team of Kenya for these upcoming friendly matches.
With the level of opposition we are going to face, difficult opponents, these boys will grow, and that’s the objective.”
The South African, emphasized the importance of exposing the youth to high-level competition without exposing them to pressure at this early stage of their national team careers
“The objective is to give them a taste of senior team football. Baron Ochieng’, for example, played in the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, moved to Zamalek, and is playing with some of the best players on the African continent.
This is a good opportunity where the boys come in with absolutely no pressure because it’s a friendly match and gives them a taste of playing senior football against some of the best opponents on the continent.”
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In a move that strongly supports the new youth mandate, head coach Benny McCarthy selected several young players for the upcoming friendly fixtures against the Lions of Teranga and the National Thunder.
The squad features the influential Kenya U20 trio of Aldrine Kibet of Celta Vigo, Baron Ochieng’ and Lawrence Okoth who are poised for their senior debuts after being included in earlier squads in June 2024 and October 2025 respectively.
McCarthy also elevated two players straight from the SportPesa League who have no prior national team experience.
Kevin Otiende of Nairobi United, celebrated for his role in the club’s historic CAF Confederation Cup run, and Bryton Onyona, who has become the established left-back for record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia this season.
The Harambee Stars will open their friendly campaign against Equatorial Guinea on November 14 before concluding the international window by taking on Senegal on November 18 in Antalya, Turkey.
ALSO READ: Nairobi United youngster Kevin Otiende on cloud nine after maiden Harambee Stars call up
Harambee Stars Final Squad for Turkey friendlies
Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)
Defenders
Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Etoile Du Sahel), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Kevin Otiende (Nairobi United), Baron Ochieng (Zamalek), Bryton Onyona (Gor Mahia)
Midfielders
Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC)
Attackers
Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Ovellah Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (ST Mirren), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki), Sharif Musa (Gor Mahia)