Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his provisional squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Chad, scheduled to take place in Morocco on June 7 and June 10, 2025.
The announcement has sent ripples of excitement through the Kenyan football fraternity, primarily due to the headline inclusion: the return of veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama, who has sensationally come out of international retirement to rejoin the national team setup.
Wanyama’s comeback marks a significant boost for the Harambee Stars. His experience, leadership, and formidable presence in midfield are qualities that have been sorely missed since his initial retirement.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic star’s decision to return speaks volumes about the renewed optimism surrounding the national team under the stewardship of Coach McCarthy.
The provisional squad showcases a thoughtful blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting new talent, signaling McCarthy’s continued efforts to sculpt a formidable team.
Among the fresh faces earning their maiden call-ups to the senior national team are Kenneth Nyamwaya of Bidco United FC and Swaleh Pamba from Bandari FC.
Their inclusion provides a glimpse into the future of Kenyan football, offering a chance for these promising talents to prove their mettle on the international stage.
This camp represents McCarthy’s second stint with the Harambee Stars, and these two friendlies against Chad will serve as a crucial litmus test.
They offer an invaluable opportunity for the coach to assess the squad’s depth, cohesion, and readiness as Kenya intensifies its preparations for the highly anticipated 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.
With CHAN set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, a strong showing in these friendlies is paramount to building momentum and instilling confidence.
Players are expected to report to camp on Friday, June 2, 2025, eager to begin rigorous preparations for what promises to be two engaging encounters.
The full provisional squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)
Defenders: Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Kenneth Nyamwaya (Bidco United FC), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch FC)
Midfielders: Victor Wanyama (Dunfermline Athletic FC), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Timothy Ouma (SK Slavia Prague), Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae (Central Coastal Mariners FC)
Forwards: Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)
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