EXCLUSIVE: Harambee Stars’ provisional squad to face South Africa

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his provisional squad ahead of Kenya’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against South Africa in November.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsKenya will travel to Johannesburg for the first leg on Wednesday, 11 November, before hosting Bafana Bafana at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, 17 November.Billions Kenya is likely to splash in hosting Bayern vs Ajax friendly in NairobiThe fixtures will see McCarthy face his native South Africa for the first time since taking charge of Harambee Stars, with the former Bafana Bafana striker keen to build a competitive side ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.The coach has named a 36-man provisional squad featuring a blend of experienced internationals, returning players and fresh faces, although the squad is yet to be officially released.##NAJAVA_MECA_10067199##South Africa-based goalkeeper Ian Otieno headlines the returning players after earning a recall. Otieno, who turns out for Richards Bay, has been away from the national team for some time.Dutch-based goalkeeper Caleb Kramer has also been included, with the ADO Den Haag custodian joining Otieno, Byrne Omondi of Gor Mahia, Farouk Shikhalo of Nairobi United and Tusker’s Brian Bwire among the five goalkeepers named.How Mombasa visit pushed Queens Park Rangers defender to enrol for Swahili classesIn defence, England-based Vincent Harper, who plays for Exeter City, is among the players called up, while Joseph Okumu returns to the fold after recovering from a long-term injury. The Stade de Reims defender is expected to provide valuable experience as Kenya prepare for the demanding double-header.Bayern Munich explain reason for hosting Ajax friendly in NairobiMcCarthy has also included several players based abroad, underlining his continued efforts to widen the pool of talent available to the national team.Full provisional Harambee Stars squadGoalkeepers: Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Farouk Shikhalo (Nairobi United), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Ian Otieno (Richards Bay), Caleb Kramer (ADO Den Haag).Defenders: Vincent Harper (Exeter City), Stanley Wilson (AIK), Eric Marcelo Ouma (Raków Częstochowa), Abud Omar (Tusker), Amos Wanjala (Valencia), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Deon Woodman (Bromley), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FF), Joseph Okumu (Stade de Reims), Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Hanif Wesonga (Jamus).Midfielders: Manzur Okwaro (Stade de Reims), Henry Ochieng (Slough Town), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Marvin Nabwire (Power Dynamos), Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Alyin Tera (Ararat-Armenia), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia).Forwards: Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Will Lenkupae (Tulsa), Kevin Wangaya, Mohammed Bajaber (Nairobi United), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Adam Wilson (The New Saints), Michael Olunga (Al Arabi), Ryan Ogam (RFC Liège), Micah Obiero (Carlisle United), Lawrence Okoth (Bandari).