Kenya’s U20 national team, nicknamed the Rising Stars, has a critical tournament coming up later this month in Malawi. Coach Salim Babu has unveiled a provisional 40-man squad brimming with young talent, showcasing the depth of Kenya’s youth development pipeline.
The goalkeeping department boasts a strong selection with Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz) and Kevin Alloys (Mathare United) bringing experience from top Kenyan clubs. Exciting prospects like Junior Odhiambo (Migori Youth) and Joshua Keya (Rainbow) add further competition for the starting role.
The defensive line is equally stacked. Nesta Olum (AFC Leopards) and Sigmun Maina (Kariobangi Sharks) are familiar names at the back, while defenders like Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka) and Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia) bring experience from Kenyan powerhouses. Notably, Faiz Opande joins the squad from Elite Falcon in Dubai, showcasing the talent pool extending beyond Kenyan borders.
The midfield is where things get interesting. Zechariah Obiero, currently playing for Leyton Orient in England, is a massive talent to watch. Stanley Wilson (AIK, Sweden) and Kevin Wangaya (Apollonia FC, Albania) add a further international flavor, alongside creative talents like Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards) and Ryan Wesley (Rainbow). The inclusion of Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports Academy) highlights the focus on unearthing gems beyond the traditional Kenyan league system.
Up front, the Rising Stars boast an abundance of options. Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards) and Brian Mboya (Bidco United) are proven scorers in the Kenyan Premier League, while youngsters like Delphine Omuri (Shabana) and Umar Rajab (Apollonia FC, Albania) will be eager to impress. The inclusion of Louis Ingavi, currently training at the prestigious Montverde Academy in the USA, demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to attracting talented youngsters playing abroad.
Coach Salim Babu now has the unenviable task of trimming the squad down to the final selection for the four-nations tournament. This provisional list has the immense potential within the Kenyan youth setup, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the final squad announcement to see who will take the field in Malawi.
Full Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Junior Odhiambo (Migori Youth), Joshua Keya (Rainbow), Kevin Alloys (Mathare United), Issa Emuria (Ulinzi Stars)
Defenders: Nesta Olum (AFC Leopards), Sigmun Maina (Kariobangi Sharks), Junior Masinza (Kakamega Homeboyz), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Francis Kamau (Bidco United), Fidel Otieno (Mathare United), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Faiz Opande (Elite Falcon, Dubai), Daniel Odhiambo (Mombasa Elite), Joseph Bate (MOFA), Grant Odiero (Mombasa Elite), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy), Mansur Okwaro (Unattached), Collins Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks)
Midfielders: Linus Munyao (Rainbow), Hamisi Otieno (Homabay), Lucas Maina (Ulinzi Stars), Benard Ouma (Nairobi United FC), Ryan Wesley (Rainbow), Zechariah Obiero (Leyton Orient FC), Stanley Wilson (AIK, Sweden), Kevin Wangaya (Apollonia FC, Albania), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Brian Kamau (Rainbow), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports Academy), Elly Owade (Migori Youth), Andreas Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks)
Forwards: Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Brian Mboya (Bidco United), Adrian Oloo (Nairobi United), Umar Rajab (Apollonia FC, Albania), Oliver Machaka (Kakamega Homeboyz), James Gachago (St Andrew’s United), Clinton Asiago (Bidco United), Mark Shaban (Gor Mahia), Louis Ingavi (Montvarde Academy, USA), Syphas Otieno (MOFA), Tyron Kariuki (Rainbow), Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars), Christopher Koloti (AFC Leopards)
