Four-Nations: Rising Stars intensify preps as Zambia drop out

The Kenya U20 National Team, Rising Stars, have intensified preparations for the upcoming Four Nations Tournament in Malawi.

Unfortunately, Zambia, the highest-ranked team, has withdrawn from the event, resulting in a reduced number of participating teams. The tournament will now feature Zimbabwe and Malawi alongside Kenya’s Rising Stars.

Rising Stars training

Rising Stars will commence their campaign against Zimbabwe on Friday, March 22, 2024, followed by a match against Malawi on Sunday, March 24, 2024, both to be held at the Bingu National Stadium.

This tournament holds significant importance as it serves as a platform to develop and showcase elite youth talent. Additionally, it acts as crucial preparation for the upcoming 2024 AFCON Under-20 qualifiers later this year.

Under the guidance of Coach Salim Babu, Rising Stars comprises a diverse squad, including players from various teams participating in different FKF-run leagues across the country.

Notably, 12 players who competed in the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys Championships are part of the squad.

Standout performers Ibrahim Wanzala and Aldrine Kibet, recognized as the best goalkeeper and top scorer, respectively, in the CECAFA U18 Boys’ Championships 2023, have earned their spots in the squad.

Additionally, Junior Stars captain Amos Wanjala, along with Syphas Otieno and Baron Ochieng, have received call-ups.

The squad features players from the FKF Premier League, such as Gor Mahia’s Mark Shaban and Paul Ochuoga, as well as Bidco United’s Francis Kamau, Kakamega Homeboyz Junior Masinza, and Ulinzi Stars’ Lucas Maina, providing invaluable experience.

Players from the FKF National Super League and FKF Division One clubs, including Rainbow FC’s Tyson Kariuki, Migori Youth’s Elly Owade, and MOFA duo Joseph Bate and Syphus Otieno, are also included, contributing to the squad’s depth and diversity.

The team commenced their camp on Monday, March 11, 2024, focusing on honing their skills and teamwork in preparation for the upcoming challenges.

Rising Stars Fixtures

Friday, March 22, 2024

1. Kenya vs Zimbabwe (Bingu National Stadium, 3 pm)

Sunday, March 24, 2024

1. Malawi vs. Kenya (Bingu National Stadium, 3 pm)

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 Onorient 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).