Kenya foreign based players arrive

It was a full house on Tuesday at the Harambee Stars training camp following the arrival of three foreign based players comprising Inter Milan midfielder MacDonald Mariga, Victor Mugabe (Beerschot FC – Belgium) , Johanna Omollo (FC Fola Esch-Luxemborg) and France based Dennis Oliech.

And the newly appointed French-based forward Oliech immediately shot back at the Ugandans who have lately resorted to mind games ahead of the epic showdown.

“I'm feeling fine and ready to represent the country on Saturday. I have performed well for my club in the last six games and I hope to carry that form for Saturday's tie. Ugandans can say anything but I believe, all will be said and done after 90 minutes” noted a jovial Oliech.

Oliech described his new role as a captain as a great challenge adding that with his vast experience, he was equal to the task.

“I know I can handle the great responsibility that come with my new role. We have a good team with six strikers. I cannot promise I will score since we have equally good local players who can score,” he said Oliech.

Mariga who arrived in the wee hours of the morning was given time off owing to jet lag and will be able to link up with the team this morning.

Addressing the media after conducting the morning training session,coach Jacob 'Ghost” Mulee said the team was in perfect condition save for Mugabe who checked in with a small knock. He said his condition was being taken care off by the team doctor and they were now focusing on Saturday's tie against Uganda Cranes.

Mulee stressed that he was not scared by their opponents taunts, noting that his team will be judged after Saturday's clash. “All the players look nice and sharp. They look ready and with the arrival of foreign based players, that gives us a lot of motivation” said Mulee.

He brushed aside the idea of naming the starting eleven for Saturday's crucial match in advance adding that it was too early to commit himself since he was yet to see and monitor the foreign based players. He ruled out the issue of playing high-profile friendly matches against Cote D'ivoire and Mozambique who are already in the country.

Mulee who was flanked by team Manager Edward Odour and his two assistants Zedekia “Zico”Otieno and Salim Ali urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and cheer the local boys come Saturday.

Fielding questions from the media, Oliech dismissed Uganda Cranes adding that Kenya might be having few foreign based players compared to Uganda's huge legion of 15 who play for smaller clubs.

Both Mugabe and new found Johanna Omollo promised to give their best shot on Saturday if they are included in the starting line-up.

Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Wilson Obungu (Sofapaka), Martin Musalia (Mathare United), Wycliff Kasanya (Red Berets).

Defenders: Haevenar Maloba (Mathare United), Julius Owino (Gor Mahia), George Owino (Sofapaka), Christopher Wekesa (Gor Mahia), Geoffrey Kokoyo (Ulinzi Stars), Edgar Ochieng (Sofapaka), David Otieno (Sony Sugar)

Midfielders: Kevin Omondi (Gor Mahia), Crispin Olando (Tusker FC), Osborne Monday (Sofapaka), Chester Okoyo (Ulinzi Stars), Stephen Ocholla (Ulinzi Stars), James Situma (Sofapaka), MacDonald Mariga (Inter Milan – Italy), Patrick Osiako (Mjalby – Sweden), Johanna Omollo (FC Fola Esch – Luxemborg), James Orundu (AFC Leopards)

Strikers: Dennis Oliech (AJ Auxerre – France), Victor Mugabe (Beerschot – Belgium), Allan Wanga (Sofapaka), John Baraza (Sofapaka) and George 'Blackberry' Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)

Officials: Jacob Ghost Mulee (Coach), Edward Odour (Team Manager), John Ndaba (Team Physio), Wyclif Makanga (Team Doctor), Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno and Salim Ali (Assistant coaches), Sunil Shah (Goalkeeper Trainer)

Uganda foreign based players comprise of;

Joseph Owino (Simba, Tz), Denis Onyango (Black Aces, SA),Geoffrey Sserunkuma (Wits, SA) Andy Mwesigwa (unconfirmed), D. Ssepuuya (Q.Fury, Australia ), David Obua ( Hearts , Scotland ), Ibrahim Sekagya ( Salzburg , Austria ),Nestroy Kizito ( Partizan , Serbia ),Tony Mawejje (IBV, Iceland ), and Geoffrey Massa (Egypt) among others.

LATEST STANDINGS

Nations Cup Qualifiers
Oct 9
Kenya v Uganda
Angola v G. Bissau

P W D L F A Pts
Uganda 1 1 0 0 3 0 3
G Bissau 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Kenya 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 

Angola 1 0 0 1 0 3 0