Kenya’s Harambee Stars Coach Bobby Williamson has named a provisional squad of 31 players consising both local and foreign based pros to start preparations for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde and CECAFA Senior Challenge.

Former Chemelil Sugar winger and Gor Mahia sensation Innocent Wafula, Palos FC forward Calvince Omanga and Norway based striker Christian Bwany are among the surprise inclusions in the squad which is a blend of youth and experience.

Wafula’s nationality has been a subject of speculations with some quarters suggesting that he is a Ugandan, but Soka25east.com can authoritatively confirm that he is indeeed a Kenyan and he holds a Kenyan Identification Card.

The versatile and highly talented Wafula has been a revelation since joing the champions this year. His on field exploits has left many fans asking why he’s not been playing for Stars, with the issue of his nationality always coming up as a possible reason.

Omanga on the other hand burst onto the limelight after a splendid show for Palos FC against Gor Mahia in a Kenya Cup match where he netted a brace despite the Nationwide side going down 4-2 early this month.

The team heads to camp on Monday,November 2,2015. The match against Cape Verde is slated for 13th November in Nairobi while the Senior Challenge kickoff on 21st in Ethiopia.

The Team:

Goalkeepers : Boniface Oluoch, Arnold Origi, Ian Otieno, David Okello

Defenders : Harun Shakava, Musa Mohamed, Edwin Wafula, Brian Birgen, Abdultiff Omar, Omar Mbongi, David Ochieng, Brian Mandela,David Owino

Midfielders : Kevin Kimani, John Ndirangu, John Nairuka, Kevin Anwayi, Ayub Timbe, Benard Mang’oli, Victor Wanyama, Anthony Akumu, Johanna Omollo, Eric Johanna

Strikers : Innocent Wafula, Calvince Omanga, Peter Nzuki, Christian Bwany, Mark Baraza (Nzoia Sugar), Chrispinus Onyango (KCB), Meshack Karani, Michael Olunga and Allan Wanga.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com