• FFirat said that he purposefully bolstered his lineup with local players since they are more accessible.
• Among those called up is experienced Mathare United center-back David Ochieng, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country.
Image: /FILE
Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat has unveiled a 30-man provisional squad ahead of an international friendly match against Iran on March 28.
The squad, a stellar cast of players plying trade in the Kenyan Premier League and their foreign-based colleagues, will report to camp on Thursday.
The Turkish gaffer said he was eager to assess the potential of his charges after a protracted hiatus brought on by a one-year Fifa ban.
"We want to meet the boys, learn about their well-being and start our re-connection. This camp is about us getting back together and playing together after being apart for more than 500 days," said Firat.
Firat said that he purposefully bolstered his lineup with local players since they are more accessible.
"We need a better scouting system to find players who are available to play for Kenya and persuade them early. These athletes have an advantage because some of them have even competed for junior national teams in Europe, making them mentally and tactically prepared. We need to follow other African nations in doing this," he added.
Among those called up is experienced Mathare United center-back David Ochieng, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country.
"Everyone aspires to represent their country. I've had the good fortune to do it more than 30 times and I'll once more give it everything for our flag," said Ochieng.
"This call-up is the result of all the hard work I've put in, especially when I was unattached."
Ochieng last played for Kenya in November 2021, against Rwanda. He has 35 caps and two goals to his credit.
Hassan Beja and playmaker Joseph Mwangi received their first calls to the national team as a result of Nzoia Sugar's impressive KPL run.
After a successful season for Ingwe, Victor Omune was also given his first call-up while several players with Kenyan ancestry but based in Europe are also on the team.
Firat extended invitations to defender Daniel Anyembe, a Danish native who has captained the Denmark Under-23 national team, and striker Alfred Scriven, who competes for IL Hodd in Norway.
FKF Premier League's top scorers Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia) and Elvis Rupia (Police) have been summoned to sharpen the forward line that also includes skipper Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Al-Faisaly, Saudi Arabia) and Scriven.
Duke Abuya (Police FC), Kenneth Muguna (Azam FC, Tanzania), and Richard Odada join the Nzoia duo of Beja and Mwangi in the midfield.
Belgium-based Joseph Okumu (Gent) and Erick Ouma (AIK) lead a defensive line that includes Daniel Sakari (Tusker) and Ochieng.
“Eric Johana and Jonah Ayunga were in my plans but they are injured so we shall see them at a future date,” Firat added.
Provisional Squad: Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (Police FC), Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Bryne Odhiambo (KCB), Levin Opiyo (AFC Leopards), Defenders: Joseph Okumu (Gent, Belgium), Brian Mandela (South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Andrew Juma (Bandari), David Ochieng (Mathare United), Maurice Owino (KCB), Collins Shichenje (AIK, Sweden), Mohamed Siraj (Bandari), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Midfielders: Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Richard Odada (Philadelphia Union, USA), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Joseph Mwangi (Nzoia Sugar), Kenneth Muguna (Azam, Tanzania), Abdallah Hasan (Bandari), Duke Abuya (Kenya Police), Wilkims Ochieng (FC Koper, Slovenia), Moses Mudavadi (KK Homeboyz), Alvin Mang’eni (Kenya Police), Hasan Beja (Nzoia Sugar), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards), Forwards: Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway).