Less than ten days on the job, new Kenya’s Harambee Stars French coach Sebastien Migne has summoned 21 home-based players for a one-day training camp Tuesday next week.
For close followers of the national team, the list is nothing new one could expect from a newly signed coach from Europe.
Firstly, it is primarily Nairobi based apart from two players from clubs from the former Western Province.
Secondly it is dominated by players from just three Kenyan Premier League clubs namely Kariobangi Sharks (6), AFC Leopards (5) and Mathare United (4).
Conspicuously missing are players from KPL defeninding champions Gor Mahia, who are preparing for a crucial CAF Confederation Cup tie against USM Alger of Algeria Wednesday at Kasarani Stadium.
Since his unveiling last week Thursday, there’s been only one round of KPL fixtures played – likewise in the National Super League.
On Wednesday, Migne watched an assessment match between Kenya’s U-23 team and U-20 team – managed by Okumbi at Camp Toyoyo.
A few faces from the warm-up have made the list of 21.
But one would wonder what criteria the former Congo Brazzaville U-23 manager used to come up with the rest of the squad at a time many would expect him to be roaming the country fishing for future prospective call ups; is someone hijacking his job this early?
Under Okumbi there were serious claims of interference in the composition of the national team by influential individuals with vested interests, who positioned certain players to earn national caps in readiness for future transfer business.
Stars’ next competitive match will be at home against Ghana in the AFCON 2019 qualifiers in September, but, before then, as the norm, the team is expected to play international build up matches.
Defenders
Yusuf Mainge (AFC Leopards), Bolton Omwenga (Kariobangi Sharks), David Owino (Mathare United), Dennis Shikhayi (AFC Leopards), Michael Kibwage (AFC Leopards), Jockins Atudo (Posta Rangers), Johnstone Omurwa (Mathare United), Geoffrey Shiveka (Kariobangi Sharks), Moses Mudavadi (St Anthony Kitale), Musa Mohamed (Unattached), Eric Ouma (KF Tirana, Albania).
Midfielders
Chrispin Oduor (Mathare United), Vincent Wasambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Cliff Nyakeya (Mathare United), Patillah Omotto (Kariobangi Sharks), Duncan Otieno (AFC Leopards), Marvin Omondi (AFC Leopards).
Strikers
Elvis Rupia (Nzoia Sugar), Pistone Mutamba (Wazito FC), Ovella Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks).
