Sports

Bandari striker John Makwata joins Stars camp ahead of CHAN

Friday 18th July, 2025 03:38 PM| By Luke Oluoch

Bandari FC seasoned striker John Mark Makwata has become the latest call-up to the Harambee Stars team currently preparing for the African Nations Championship.

The former KPL Golden Boot winner’s call-up has been confirmed on Friday, July 18, 2025, by the coastal-based club.

“John Mark Makwata is the newest Bandari FC player to join the Harambee Stars squad, bringing our club’s representation to a remarkable seven players, making us the top contributors to the national team,” the team announced.

Makwata, who has also been in books of Kariobangi Sharks and AFC Leopards before opting for a stint abroad, has earned his call after Kenya’s striking department was rendered depleted with the abrupt departure of lethal striker Moses Shumah, who has signed for Zambian Super League outfit Power Dynamos.

The two, who emerged as the top and second lead scorers in the 2024/25 season, had been called up in Benni McCarthy’s provisional 30-man squad.

Four-Nations tournament

Makwata’s call-up comes as Kenya prepares to fly out to Tanzania for the Four Nations Tournament.

The tourney, scheduled as part of its preparation for the continental games, will see Benni McCarthy’s team play three games in a round-robin format against Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal.

The unveiled CHAN 2024 squad PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/azamtvsportske/photos

As per the revealed match schedule, Harambee Stars will kick off their Four-Nations tournament games against noisy neighbours Uganda on Monday, July 21, 2025.

The same day will also see Tanzania clash against Senegal.

Benni McCarthy’s team will later face Tanzania on match day 2 on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The four teams will field teams composed of home-based players.

Stars will then return home for the CHAN kick-off slated for Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Kenya, who will play their Group A’ matches at Kasarani Stadium were drawn alongside Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia.

They will play their opening fixture at 3:00 pm against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

After opening against DR Congo, Kenya’s second fixture will be against Angola on Tuesday, August 7, 2025, before they face Morocco on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and wind up their group fixtures against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Sunday, August 17, 2025.