Harambee Stars interim head coach Francis Kimanzi has named his final 26-member squad for the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup tournament in Zanzibar.The Kenyan senior men’s national team will face Burundi on Monday, January 6, 2025, and the hosts, Zanzibar, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.The initial provisional squad, which featured a mix of experienced and emerging talents from the FKF Premier League, began training on December 28.After trimming the roster, 12 players have been omitted, leaving the final list at 26 members.##NAJAVA_MECA_8604939##AFC Leopards’ attacking midfielder Kelly Madada is among those who secured a spot in the final squad.Madada’s inclusion follows his impressive league performances, needing just three consecutive starts to prove he is ready for national duties.Joining him is Tusker FC striker Ryan Ogam, the FKF Premier League’s current top scorer.The former Rainbow FC player has enjoyed a stellar debut season in the top tier, netting 13 goals and establishing himself as the league’s most prolific marksman.Kalekwa warns clubs that luring rising star from Sofapaka will be costlyOn the other hand, KCB’s Francis Kahiro has been left out of the squad despite his remarkable form since transferring from Bandari six months ago.Kahiro has scored nine crucial goals for KCB, propelling them to the top of the league standings during the festive season.The league leaders will however, have two representatives at the national team with Hanif Wesonga and captain Michael Mutinda making the cut.Additionally, Isaac Omweri, the sole representative from the National Super League in the provisional squad, has not made the final cut.I am the best for Harambee Stars job, says former Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards coachThe Harambee Stars are preparing for the Mapinduzi Cup, scheduled to take place from January 3 to January 13 in Zanzibar. After the tournament, the team will shift its focus to the 2024 CHAN tournament, set for February.##NAJAVA_MECA_8604830##Harambee Stars Mapinduzi Cup Traveling Squad:Goalkeepers: Byrne Odhiambo, Faruk Shikalo, Sebastian WekesaDefenders: Sylvester Owino, Hanif Wesonga, Alphonce Omija, Brian Okoth, Abud Omar, Siraj Mohammed, Ronney Onyango, Daniel SakariMidfielders: Michael Mutinda, Chrispine Erambo, Brian Musa, Kelly Madada, Austine Odhiambo, Kenneth Muguna, Ben Stanley Omondi, Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, Moses ShumahForwards: Ryan Ogam, Darius Msagah, James Kinyanjui, Victor Omune, Marvin Nabwire
