Kenya U20 midfielder Trevor Nasasiro/HANDOUT Rising Stars coach Gilbert Selebwa believes his squad has what it takes to secure qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana when Kenya takes part in the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers in Tanzania.
Selebwa has named his final squad, blending school-based talent with players from local and foreign clubs. Only four players—Telena Ochieng, Humphrey Okoth, Raphael Omondi and Austin Odongo—survived the cut from the initial 64-man provisional squad, with the rest dropped due to unavailability, age eligibility and passport complications.
The squad includes several players who progressed from last year’s U-17 team, among them Omondi, Trevor Nasasiro, Yusuf Ahmed, Armstrong Omondi and the Kakamega School trio of Eugine Belety, Brighton Nacheri and Julius Ochieng.
“We have put together a squad that we believe is capable of competing at this level. There is a good balance of players from schools and clubs, and we are confident in what they can bring to the team,” Selebwa said.
Bernard Jairo and Telena Ochieng, who were part of Kenya’s previous U-20 AFCON squad, have also been recalled. Jairo, who plays for Nairobi United, is among three goalkeepers alongside Wayne Orata of Kariobangi Sharks and Theodore Mwangi of Ongata Academy.
“The players who were with the last U-20 team understand what is expected when you represent the country at this level. Their experience will be important, especially when we come under pressure,” Selebwa said.
In midfield, Selebwa has selected Nasasiro, Hamvin Okoth, Yusuf Ahmed, Armstrong Omondi, Churchil Ombuor, Nacheri, Allan Otieno, Abdirizak Nurie and Quincy Waithanji.
Ahmed of Utsikten BK in Sweden and Waithanji of BFC Dynamo in Germany add foreign-based experience. The forward line includes Bravin Omondi, Julius Ochieng, Keylah Mauko, Austin Odongo, Seedoph Zgoll and Brighton Omondi. Kenya opens against Burundi on September 17 at Uhuru Stadium at 8 pm before facing South Sudan two days later at 2 pm.
“We know the fixtures are coming quickly, so every player has to be ready. We cannot afford to depend on only 11 players,” Selebwa said. “Our objective is to qualify for the AFCON. We respect Burundi and South Sudan, but we also believe in our own ability,” he added.
