A 31 member squad expected to face neighbors Tanzania in a friendly on the FIFA friendly date for once, on the 11th August has been named. The list was revealed yesterday by FKL Vice-chairman Titus Kasuve who also stated that the foreign based players will fly directly to the Tanzanian capital straight from their European bases. Three key foreign based players midfielders; Patrick Osiako of Mjallby AIF of Sweden’s Allsvenskan, Victor Mugabe of Germinal Beerschot, Belgium and his elder sibling McDonald Mariga of Serie A’s Inter Milan have been called up.

Kenya’s lead striker Dennis Oliech of AJ Auxerre in France, Allan Wanga who is attached to Sofapaka and Patrick Oboya, a free agent seeking his next club, are also part of the squad.  “We have made arrangements for them to go directly to Tanzania and then leave immediately after the match,” said Kasuve. Local players called up to the team will start training next Monday under Coach Twahir Muhidin. Kasuve said they are in consultation with Kenya Premier League (KPL) clubs to release the players for training during the week.

Sofapaka features prominently with seven of its player making the provisional list. Regular Harambee Stars players; Edgar Ochieng, George Owino, undoubted scorer John Baraza, skipper James Situma all make the team. “We understand that the league is at a crucial stage but will still ask the clubs to avail their players for about two or three days of training,” he said.

Squad called up

Goalkeepers: Lawrence Webo (AFC Leopards), Wilson Oburu (Sofapaka) & Martin Musalia (Mathare United).

Defenders: Julius Owino (Gor Mahia), Ibrahim Shikanda (Azam FC, Tanzania), Musa Mohammed (Gor Mahia), Mulinge Ndetto (Ulinzi Stars), Anthony Kimani, Lloyd Wahome (both Mathare United), Edgar Ochieng, George Owino (All Sofapaka), Brian Mandela (Posta Rangers) & Collins Kisuya (Tusker)

Mid-fielders: Kevin Omondi, George Odhiambo, Antony Okumu (All Gor Mahia), Steven Ocholla (Ulinzi Stars), Anthony Kimani, James Situma, Humphrey Mieno (All Sofapaka) Paul Were (Tusker), & Joseph Nyaga (Mathare United), Patrick Osiako (Mjallby AIF, Sweden), McDonald Mariga (Inter Milan, Italy) & Victor Mugabe (Germinal Beerschot, Belgium).

Strikers: John Baraza, Allan Wanga (both Sofapaka), Dennis Mukaisi (Tusker), Abdul Malik (Gor Mahia) and Patrick Oboya (unattached), Dennis Oliech (AJ Auxerre, France).