Coach Gilbert Selebwa has named his provisional Rising Stars squad ahead of the U20 CECAFA AFCON Qualifiers, set to run from 16th to 30th September in Tanzania.
The tournament carries significant weight for the region, with the two finalists earning the right to represent East Africa at the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana. For the young players named in this squad, a strong showing in Tanzania could be the first step toward continental football.
According to a statement from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the provisional squad is drawn from clubs across the country, a handful of players based abroad, and schools. School-based players, however, are expected to form a second cohort, joining camp only after the selection process for the club-based players has been completed.
The club-based contingent will assemble for camp at the Mashuuru Sports Complex this Friday as preparations for the qualifiers get underway. Coach Selbwa will be assisted by Dunstan Nyaudo and Musa Otieno.
Rising Stars provisional squad for U20 CECAFA AFCON Qualifiers
- GOALKEEPERS
Arnold Shivachi (KCB FC), Boaz Muchiri (Mathare United), Rovin Odhiambo (Luanda Villa), Phillip Omollo (Vickers).
- DEFENDERS
Elisha Nalianya (Kakamega Homeboyz), Bilal Otieno (Mathare United), Franklyn Omollo (Kariobangi Sharks), Daniel Ogalo (AFC Leopards), Telena Ochieng (Tusker FC), Kevin Musambai (Ulinzi Stars), Baraka Rodgers (Bandari), Suale Juma (Bandari), Swale Abu (Ksharks), Micheal Eshirama (Samitsi FC), Amos Wanjala (Valencia Academy), Collins Ochieng (Tusker FC), Jermaine Msine (Cryuff Academy).
- MIDFIELDERS
Zinedine Wesonga (Kakamega Homeboyz), Adrian Oloo (Ulinzi Stars), Paul Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Emmanuel Aduga (Shabana Youth), Rafael Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks), Martins Odiero (Mombasa Elite), Steward Armstrong (Kariobangi Sharks), Hashim Munyendo (AFC Leopards), Iddi Wesonga (AFC Leopards), Glen Yannick Kariuki (3K FC), Erastus Erute (Bandari), Eugene Barasa (Homeboyz), Ashraf Thaire (Mombasa United), Moses Mulekano (Naivas), Collins Mwalati (Bandari), Suleiman Kalema (Bandari Youth), Ramadhan Hamisi (Mombasa United), Khamis Mohammed (Mombasa United), Collins Okello (Unattached), Sweden Collins Mboya (Naivas), Sammy Indonyi (Luanda Villa), Derrick Owino (Spitfire), Lemmy Menza (Mombasa United), Meloy Odhiambo (Ksharks), Jabes Otieno (Gor Youth), Wayne Moya (Gor Youth), Lee Njiru (Gor Youth), Michael Owen (Murang’a Seal), Churchill Otieno (Migori Youth), Humphrey Okoth (Migori Youth), Morgan Onyango (Migori Youth), Vincent Omondi (MOFA), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Fortuna), Andreas Odhiambo (Enkopings Sk Sweden), Elly Owande (Migori Youth).
- FORWARDS
Alfred Ratolo (KCB FC), Nicholas Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks), Bravin Makani (AFC Leopards), Austin Odongo (Shabana), Syphas Otieno (Nairobi Utd), Inistin Simiyu (Mara Sugar), Livingstone Ochieng (Gor Youth), Luis Ingavi (Shabana), Markvivian Khisa (Unattached), Quincy Mbugua (BFC Dynamo).
