4 days ago
165
Joshua Onyango (L) of Gor Mahia FC contest for the ball with Austin Odongo of Shabana FC during their FKF Premier League match at Gusii Stadium in Kisii county on May 04, 2025. Photo/Kelly Ayodi/SportpichaKenya Police striker Clinton Kinanga and Shabana FC’s rising star Austin Odongo have earned late call-ups to the Harambee Stars squad currently in camp preparing for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The inclusion of the duo was confirmed by head coach Benni McCarthy, who continues to fine-tune his squad ahead of the August tournament.
The changes come after five players were dropped from the provisional squad.
Those released include Yakeen Muteheli and Staphod Odhiambo of Ulinzi Stars, Shabana's Keith Imbali, Kelly Madada of AFC Leopards, and Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Opondo.
The changes follow the earlier withdrawal of top scorers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro. The pair, who were among the FKF Premier League's standout attackers last season, have joined Zambian side Power Dynamos, rendering them ineligible for CHAN, which only features locally based players.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya has reaffirmed the government’s commitments to upgrade sporting activities even after the conclusion of CHAN.
“We have so far done a face lift of Nyayo and its two attending grounds of Kenya Police Sacco and Ulinzi Sports complex.”
“In Kasarani, We have the two annex training grounds. We have identified one of them that we will upgrade to a 5000 setter to accommodate small crowds in our local league. This will be done immediately after CHAN.”
The CS confirmed that the work is not done at Nyayo Stadium and that a canopy will also be erected around the stadium to improve the fan experience.
“Nyayo stadium will have a canopy, it will be the first assignment after CHAN,” he concluded.
Harambee Stars will first play a four nation tournament in Tanzania before locking horns with DRC Congo in their opening CHAN match at Kasarani.
©Citizen Digital, Kenya
