Emerging Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi has named a star-studded squad for the CECAFA Under 23 tourney set for Bahir Dar, Ethiopia as Collins Shichenje drops off and Boniface Muchiri is called up.Perhaps the most notable omission from the provisional squad is AFC Leopards midfielder Shichenje who is rumoured to be on the verge of securing a move to Europe.Tusker FC winger Boniface Muchiri is included in the squad as one of the senior players joining Wazito FC skipper Bernard Ochieng and Kakamega Homeboyz forward Daniel Okoth.Muchiri comes on for Ulinzi Stars wingback Harun Mwale who was initially included as a senior player with the tournament permitting three players who are above the 23 age cap.Among the key players in the squad include Henry Meja, Austin Odhiambo, Benson Omala, Frank Odhiambo, Marvin Nabwire and Oliver Maloba.Emerging Stars landed a favourable draw as they are pooled in Group C alongside Eritrea and Djibouti and will be hoping to qualify for the knockout phases.The team is set to depart for Bahir Dar on Wednesday at 5 AM with the tournament slated to kick off on Sunday 18 July. Full Emerging Stars squad GoalkeepersCaleb Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks)DefendersSylvester Owino (Kakamega Homeboyz), Bernard Ochieng (Wazito FC), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Maha), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Bonface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Wepo (KCB FC).MidfieldersYidah Sven (Nairobi City Stars), Marvin Nabwire (AFC Leopards), Vincent Wasambo (KCB FC), Austine Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Regean Otieno (KCB FC), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Josphat Lopaga (Posta Rangers), Steiner Musasia (Posta Rangers), John Njuguna (Ulinzi Stars), Boniface Muchiri (Tusker FC), David Odhiambo (Kakamega Homeboyz)ForwardsBenson Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Henry Atola (Tusker), Alfred Tanui (Kisumu All Stars)
