Harambee Stars Call-Ups: New Faces in the Squad for Zimbabwe Clash
As the Harambee Stars gear up for their crucial fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, coach Engin Firat has made some late adjustments to the squad. These changes come ahead of the team’s pivotal match against Zimbabwe on Friday, November 15, 2024, followed by another test against Namibia on Tuesday, November 19. Both encounters will be staged at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, setting the stage for Kenya’s battle to keep their qualification hopes alive.
New Additions to the Squad
Goalkeeper Change
Brian Bwire has joined the Harambee Stars camp in Polokwane, stepping in for Ian Otieno. The addition of Bwire brings renewed competition to the goalkeeping department, where he will team up with Byrne Odhiambo and Faruk Shikhalo. Bwire’s solid reflexes and experience at club level could prove valuable in ensuring Kenya’s defensive resilience against Zimbabwe’s attacking threats.
The backline has also seen a late change with Daniel Sakari replacing forward Adam Wilson, who has withdrawn from the squad due to the passing of his grandmother. This alteration shifts the balance slightly, adding more depth to Kenya’s defensive lineup. Sakari, known for his pace and tactical awareness, will bolster the team’s defensive options alongside seasoned campaigners like Joseph Okumu and Eric Ouma.
Full Harambee Stars Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
Byrne Odhiambo
Faruk Shikhalo
Brian Bwire
Defenders:
Daniel Sakari
Daniel Anyembe
Amos Wanjala
Amos Nondi
Joseph Okumu
Johnstone Omurwa
Charles Momanyi
Eric Ouma
Abud Omar
Midfielders:
Anthony Akumu
Marvin Nabwire
Duke Abuya
Timothy Ouma
Richard Odada
Austine Odhiambo
Ronney Onyango
Alfred Scriven
Leshan Mootian
Forwards:
Michael Olunga
Jonah Ayunga
John Avire
Tactical Implications
The addition of Sakari in defense suggests that coach Firat may be planning for a more fortified setup to withstand Zimbabwe’s attacking prowess. Sakari’s inclusion could offer more options for a three- or four-man defensive line, ensuring flexibility in Kenya’s tactical approach.
In the goalkeeping department, Brian Bwire’s arrival means added competition for the starting role. His experience, paired with Shikhalo’s and Odhiambo’s capabilities, ensures that the team has multiple reliable options to safeguard the net.
Key Players to Watch
Michael Olunga, Kenya’s captain and talismanic striker, will once again be expected to lead the attack and deliver crucial goals. His partnership with Jonah Ayunga could be vital in breaking down Zimbabwe’s defense. Meanwhile, the midfield duo of Timothy Ouma and Richard Odada will be pivotal in dictating the tempo and controlling the game in the middle of the park.
High Stakes in Polokwane
The importance of these matches cannot be understated. With Zimbabwe and Namibia presenting formidable challenges, the Harambee Stars will need to play with cohesion, determination, and a strategic edge. Success in these fixtures would provide a significant boost to their qualification campaign, while a misstep could complicate their path to the 2026 World Cup.
As the days draw closer to the match, Kenyan fans will be eagerly watching to see how the new additions gel with the existing squad and whether coach Firat’s tactical tweaks will pay off in these must-win encounters.
