Kenya U20 coach Stanley Okumbi has challenged his players to give their best in the CECAFA U20 Championship that kicks off on Saturday, September 21 in Uganda.
The Rising Stars left the country on Wednesday night for Uganda where they will take part in the annual tournament. Kenya has been pooled in group B alongside Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. The team will be keen on securing a top-three finish in the group to secure a quarter-final slot.
Speaking before the team’s departure to Jinja, Okumbi, a former Harambee Stars coach admitted that the team is in a tough group but stated that his team has no reason not to deliver. He also exuded confidence that the players will put in a good show.
“We are in a tough group but I think the tougher the group the better the challenge. With the quality of players, we have in the team I don’t think we have an excuse for not getting positive results. I have challenged my players that this is their chance of showcasing what they can do and I am confident we will do well,” he said.
Group A: Uganda, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti
Group B: Kenya, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Group C: Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia
Kenya Squad
Goalkeepers: Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), Bixente Otieno (Wazito)
Defenders: Alphonce Otieno (Gor Mahia), Alvin Ochieng (Kisumu All-Stars), Brian Wepo (Nzoia Sugar), Boniface Mwangemi (Dagoretti High School), John Otieno (Kakamega Homeboyz), Tom Teka (Kariobangi Sharks)
Midfielders: Joshua Nyatini (Wazito), Fidel Origa (Western Stima), Musa Masika (Wazito), John Njuguna (Ulinzi Stars), Peter Oudo (Kariobangi Sharks), Austin Ochieng (AFC Leopards), Steve Otieno (Kisumu All-Stars), Chris Owino (FC Talanta)
Forwards: Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), Benson Omala (Western Stima), Ronald Shichenje (Aspire Academy), Patrick Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks)