Kenya took the U23 team to the COSAFA Cup with the intention of integrating several outstanding players into the senior team, Harambee Stars for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The tournament, held in South Africa back in July, saw the Kenyan boys put in a decent show in three group stage matches as they won two and lost once. Out of the players, who played in South Africa, only Patrick Otieno has transitioned to the senior team from the latest squad released by coach Engin Firat ahead of the first AFCON qualifier against Zimbabwe on Wednesday. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8298148##However, it is important to note that, a handful of players in the U23 team, had featured for the senior team before the tournament and, were summoned for the forthcoming matches alongside Otieno.Bryne Omondi, Chrispine Erambo, Austin Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino, Rooney Onyango, and Kayci Odhiambo had senior team caps before the trip to South Africa with the U23.Marcelo, Okumu return as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars squad for AFCON qualifiersCoach Kennedy Odhiambo, who took charge of the team in South Africa, believes that the number of players graduating from the Emerging Stars to the senior one will grow before the year ends.”Transitioning players from the junior national team to the senior one is a gradual process. I am sure there will be more U23 players in the senior team before the year ends as this is a work in progress,” he defended the low number of U23 graduates to the main team. Odhiambo, who doubles up as one of the senior team’s assistant coaches, says the technical bench is carefully managing the transitions to avoid cases of players failing to realize their potential. “We don’t want to rush players for Harambee Stars duties. We have been monitoring the progress of each and every player ( U23s) and those who deserve it, will be ushered into the senior team. Before then, we have to evaluate them based on their club performances,” said the Bandari tactician.Engin Firat on why Michael Olunga sometimes struggles at Harambee StarsMeanwhile, Odhiambo hinted at Emerging Stars regrouping and returning to action before the year ends.”There are many activities in the pipeline which will help gauge the players. The aim is to have a wide pool of players from where we can select the best for the senior team duties,” he added.
