Foreign stars arrive
Harambee Stars residential camp is nearing full house with the arrival of more foreign-based players in Nairobi ahead of their tie with Iran.
Some of the players who reported to the camp yesterday at the time of going to the press include Mamelodi Sundowns’ defender Brian Mandela. Former Kaizer Chiefs defensive midfielder Anthony ‘Teddy Akumu’ who has since been contracted at Sagan Tosu in Japan, returns to the team for a second stint under head coach Engin Firat.
Defender Johnston Omurwa who plies his trade in Portugal with Liga Two side Estrela da Amadola also reported to the Harambee Stars camp yesterday.
First-time Harambee Stars call up Daniel Anyembe, 24, who plays in Denmark’s top tier league with Viborg Fodsports also jetted in yesterday and will have his premier Kenya team taste today in training.
Other players who plays abroad and joined the rest in the training for Iran duty include Richard Odada, Eric Marcelo Ouma, Amos Nondi and Collins Sichenje.
Skipper Michael Olunga who was on duty on Saturday for his side Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League was scheduled to arrive in the late country yesterday.
Dependable defender Joseph Okumu who was on scoresheet on Sunday evening for his club KAA Gent in the Belgium league against Eupen is another player set to join the team tomorrow.
All the other local based players began training on Friday and Saturday last week except Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder Moses Mudavadi who’s where about are unknown.
In an interview with Milele FM on Thursday last week at Kasarani Annex after Homeboyz loss to Sofapaka, Mudavadi expressed his delight for the Harambee Stars call up.
“It is a great honour to be called for a national team duty. Am proud of myself in getting this opportunity considering that am the only player listed from Kakamega Homeboyz. I am looking forward to working hard to impress so that I can make it to the final squad,” Mudavadi said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s returning coach Amir Ghalonoei has named a strong squad that will be at home to face Russia and Kenya on 23rd and 28th March respectively.
Part of his contingent is FC Porto’s marksman Mehdi Taremi who has scored 13 goals with 6 assists this season in the Portuguese league.
Other notable players in Team Melli’s squad include speedy forward Sardar Azoum who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany as well Feyenoord’s creative midfielder Alizera Jahanbakhsh.
Iran will be without Brentford play-maker Saman Ghodos who withdrew from the team for the double national duties in Tehran. Coach Ghalonoei will be keen to make amends on the Iranian team against Russia and Harambee Stars as they prepare to challenge for the Asian Cup next year in Qatar.
