Coach Salim Babu names provisional squad ahead of CECAFA tourney

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya national under-18 boys soccer team, Junior Stars head coach Salim Babu has named a provisional squad for the CECAFA U18 tournament.

Kenya will host the tourney, starting November 25th, 2023.

Salim Babu's team is a blend of school team players, and those already attached to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) run Premier League and the National Super League (NSL).

St. Anthony's Boys, Ebwali and Kakamega School's Green Commandoes are among school football teams represented in the U18 side, which seeks to conquer Central and East Africa.

Provisional Squad

GoalKeepers: Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), David Obasanjo (Migori Youth), Joshua Keya (Rainbow), Salim Andale (Tusker Youth), Benard Maeri (Ruiru Hotstars), Ryan David (Machakos Boys High School).

Defenders: Ely Otieno (Serani), David Wanyama (Serani), Clement Kawere (Green Commandos), Francis Mukutwa Kulongo (Shanderema), Kevin Musambai (St.Anthony), Collins James (Green Commandos), Charles Wesonga (Green Commandos), Brian Abuka (St.Anthony), Baron Otieno (Sofapaka), William Orute (St.Anthony), Brian Yida (Goseta Boys), Joseph Bate (Mofa), Brian Mulembi (Winam), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy), Oseph Omondi (Agai Secondary), Jackson Imbiakha (Rainbow), Mansur Okwaro (Rainbow), Jack Ongaya (Green Commandos).

Midfielders: Bily Clinton (Rainbow), Morice Omondi (Usenge Secondary), Haustine Oluoch (Musingu High), Dismas Ongocho (Dagoreti High), Linus Munyau (Raindow), Calvin Akala (Green Commandos), Braxton Ouma (Musingu High), Armstrong Omondi (Alliance High School) Joseph Omuse (St.Anthony), Alvin Kasavuli (Nastic Sports Academy), Kelly Madada (Shanderema), Stanley Wilson (Kariobangi Sharks), Tyron Kariuki (Rainbow), Jacob Otieno (Rainbow), Kelvin Wanyanga (Kariobangi Sharks) Mathew Kibiwot (Kariobangi Sharks), Evans Aroko (Highway Secondary), Bakari Athman (St.Anthony), Amisi Otieno (Goseta), Adrian Kibet (Nastic Sports Academy).

Forwards: Delphine Omuri (Shabana), Shadrack Omondi (Nova Pioneer), George Ogutu (Magadi Secondary), Brian Ogutu (Kisumu Day), Leonel Oduor (Goseta), Headson Bwire (Goseta), Junior Gregory (St.Anthony), Papa Barasa (St.Anthony), Joseph Omondi (Usenge), Fredrick Ochieng (Uefa Despanol), Brian Onyango (Awasi), Lucas Maina (Ulinzi Stars), Inistin Simiyu (St.Joseph), Dennis Wafula (Mwitoti), Luis Ingavi (Usa), Ben Saul (Lugusi), Vonicks Odhiambo (Agai Secondary), Mark Shaban (Shanderema), Samuel Odhiambo (Uefa Despanol), Felix Omondi(Agoro Sare), Hosea Kamau (Goseta) Emillio Brian (Migori Youth), Mwanzia Joseph (Mombasa Stars), Mohammed Adan (Mombasa Stars).

Salim Babu previously coached Western Stima, Sony Sugar and Nzoia Sugar.