Avire returns as Firat names Harambee Stars’ squad for Malawi Four-Nations tournament
By Joel Sang, March 13, 2024
Former Sofapaka striker John Avire has returned to the Harambee Stars fold after head coach Engin Firat named a provisional squad for the March Four-Nation tournament.
Currently based in Egypt, Avire is set to feature for the national team for the first time since 2019, when he was part of the African Cup of Nations finals, then under Sebastien Migne.
Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, who was injured in his last national appearance, also makes a return alongside Daniel Anyembe.
There were fears when Joseph Okumu got injured, but this did not prevent Firat from naming the Stade de Reims defender in his provisional squad. Although he has been named, his chances of playing in the tournament are slim.
Harambee Stars will take part in the competition that will start on March 18–24, where they will face Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The participating countries will also have their U20 sides take part in a corresponding tournament. Kenya have already named a squad, and Kenya Police head coach Salim Babu will manage it.
The matches against the COSAFA nations are meant to prepare Kenya for the upcoming qualifiers set to be played in June.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Zesco-Zambia), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Bonphas Munyasa (Murang’a Seal)
Defenders: Sichenje (AIK-Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Reims-France), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela-Portugal), Dennis Ng’ang’a (Zanaco Zambia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg-Denmark), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Eric Ouma (Rakow-Poland)
Midfielders: Alphonce Omija (Dhofar-Oman), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Aalborg-Denmark), Anthony Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), David Sakwa (Bandari), Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Sebail-Azeberijan), Eric Johanna (UTA-Romania), Rooney Onyango (GOR Mahia)
Forwards: John Avire (Sekka), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia)