Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere has praised the selection of Ryan Ogam, Chris Erambo, Eric Naaman Balecho, and goalkeeper Brian Opondo to the national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon this month.These four players were part of the preliminary squad named by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy on Tuesday, ahead of the matches on Thursday, 20 and Sunday, 23 March in Ivory Coast and Nairobi respectively.The local-based players reported to camp on Wednesday, with international players expected to jet in after club duties over the weekend.##NAJAVA_MECA_8773582##Coach Okere expressed great pride in the quartet’s achievements, highlighting that their hard work and performance at club level helped them earn a spot on the national team.“We are extremely proud of Ryan, Chris, Eric, and Brian for their well-deserved call-ups to the national team,” Okere said.“Their dedication, hard work, and contributions to Tusker FC have been outstanding. This shows the quality of players we have at the club.”CAF President Motsepe sends urgent message to Benni McCarthy after Harambee Stars appointmentOpondo, who has been Tusker’s first-choice goalkeeper, hopes to make his debut for the national team. After spending years as a backup, he recently secured his position as the starting goalkeeper and has now earned a place in the national team.The custodian has been in excellent form, keeping six clean sheets in just eight games since becoming the starter. Okere praised him, saying, “Brian’s first call-up is a huge achievement, and we know he will make us proud.”Ogam, the FKF Premier League’s top scorer with 15 goals, and Erambo have both played for the national team before. Ogam made his debut at the Mapinduzi Cup in January, while Erambo has been a regular for the national team in the last two years.STARS ABROAD: Harambee Stars prospect features for Bristol City as Kenyan duo score in TanzaniaEric Balecho, who was previously called up while playing for Murang’a Seal but did not make the final squad, now returns to the national team with the hope that he will finally get a chance to debutAs the World Cup qualifiers approach, Okere expressed confidence in his players’ abilities, saying their success at the national level reflects their growth and hard work.”We are excited to support them as they take the next step in their international careers,” he concluded.WPL Preview: Police looking to firm grip on summit as Wadadia stare at relegation
