Nabi Kibunguchy included in Harambee Stars squad for November World Cup Qualifiers
Two months after expressing his desire to play for Harambee Stars, Orlando City defender Nabilai Kibunguchy has been named in the squad preparing for the November World Cup Qualifiers.
Kibunguchy, who plays for Orlando Pirates, had previously used social media to express his keen interest in representing the national side, and now his dream is taking a step closer to reality as he joins eight defenders in the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming preparations.
Harambee Stars' newbie stats
Kibunguchy's soccer journey includes a stint with the Sacramento Republic from 2015 to 2016, where he made 30 appearances and scored a goal. 
He showcased his skills during his college years, playing for the University of California, Davis, from 2016 to 2019, earning recognitions such as All-Big West Conference First Team, Big West All-Freshman Team, and Big West Conference All-Academic Team in 2017.
In 2019, Kibunguchy expanded his horizons by appearing in the USL League Two with the San Francisco Glens, earning recognition as part of the Western Conference All-Star Team.
His professional journey took a significant turn when he was selected as the 18th overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United. After a loan spell with the USL Championship side Sacramento Republic, he signed with Orlando City B in MLS Next Pro for the 2023 season.
New Harambee Stars call-up
The squad also features new call-ups for Eric Balecho of Murang’a Seal and Hanif Wesonga of KCB. Notable returnees include Duncan Otieno of Gaborone United, Timothy Ouma of Elfsborg, and Eric Johanna of UTA ARAD in Romania. Geoffrey Ochieng of Gor Mahia has also earned a spot in the team.
The Harambee Stars will face Gabon on Thursday, November 16, 2023, in Franceville, followed by a match against Seychelles on Monday, November 20, 2023, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. 
Foreign-based players are expected to start joining the squad on November 10, with the first training session scheduled for November 11. The team departs for Gabon on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 8 am.
Kenya, drawn in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, will compete against Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.
Harambee Stars squad
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Ian Otieno (Zesco), Joseph Ochuka (Bandari)
Defenders
Nabi Kibunguchy (Orlando City), Hanif Wesonga (KCB), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Eric Ouma (AIK), Joseph Okumu (Reims), Johnstone Omurwa (CF Estrela), Amos Nondi (Ararat)
Midfielders
Duncan Otieno (Gaborone United), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Duke Abuya (Singida), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Eric Balecho (Murang Seal), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Eric Johanna (UTA ARAD), Richard Odada (Aalborg), Alfred Scriven (Hodd) , Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg)
Forwards
Masud Juma (Al Faisaly), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia)
