Another squad naming, another chance to experiment. Or rather, a chance to see new names who will hopefully be regulars in the Harambee Stars squad. That may be too far ahead. Maybe if they get minutes, and impress.After the successful introduction of Alphonse Omija, Chris Erambo, and AFC Leopards’ assistant captain Kaycie Odhiambo, all of whom played a key role in Kenya’s victory in the four-nation tournament earlier this year, head coach Engin Firat has in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers repeated the same trick, bringing in some new faces in his 25-man provisional squad.2026 WCQ: Olunga, Odada and Anyembe will be in the Harambee Stars squad, Firat clarifiesHeadlining the new names is Kenya Police defender Brian Okoth, whose move from FC Talanta in the mid-season window has worked a charm, seeing him become one of the first names on Salim Babu’s squad, to the extent of dropping experienced teammate and Kenyan international David Ochieng.Outside the Kenyan borders but familiar to Kenyans is Zanaco midfielder John Ochieng, who earned a move to Zambia following an impressive season with Gor Mahia that saw them crowned champions for the 20th time.Those unfamiliar to the Kenyan eyes in the local scene however, are the trio of Tobias Knost (SV Verl), Bruce Kamau (Perth Glory) and Adam Wilson (Bradford City).Bruce KamauKamau, a Kenyan by birth (was born in Kenya before moving to Australia aged four) is a winger for Australia A-League side Perth Glory having joined permanently from Greek Super League side OFI Crete last year.He initially turned out for Australia’s U23 national team, scoring twice from five matches.This season, the 29-year-old is yet to score a league goal in 20 matches, and his highest goal return in a league season being in 2020/2021 with WS Wanderers.After years of courting, everything remains on the table on whether he can slot into the Kenyan lineup in June.After eight years of snubbing Kenya, Australia-based Bruce Kamau has finally accepted to play for Kenya.#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/T4caY7G6P1— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) May 20, 2024 Adam Wilson Born in Ashington, England, Wilson, born of a Kenyan parent, makes the Kenyan squad having only featured for the Kenyan U18 side.He plays as a left winger for English League Two side Bradford City, with whom he joined from Welsh side The New Saints.The 24-year-old, who can also play as a left-back, has scored one goal in 10 appearances this season, with his highest goal return being seven goals at TNS last season.Bradford City striker Adam Wilson Ayiro earns his first Harambee Stars call up.He has previously played for England U18 team.#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/T78szwYixl— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) May 20, 2024 With Aboud Omar being the only left-back in the current squad, perhaps a chance for Wilson to make a debut.His teammate at Bradford Clarke Odour might also have sold a few secrets of making it to the Harambee Stars starting lineup.Tobias Knost Fairly unknown, Knost is a defender who holds dual citizenship with Kenya and Germany.His only international experience has seen him play twice for the GermanyU-18 team, and currently features for German third-tier side SC Verl.Tobias Knost has earned a Harambee Stars call-up.The 24-year-old right back has previously played for the Germany U18 team.#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/nvQSTTcTTi— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) May 20, 2024 He joined Verl from 1. FC Magdeburg in the summer of 2022, and has appeared on the pitch 38 times so far.This season, he has zero goal involvements in 16 games but had two goals and three assists last season.He is described as the “absolute team player” and at his age of 24, could be a valuable addition in a thin Kenyan backline in June.##NAJAVA_MECA_8109820##
