Several players who thought they deserved a call-up to the national team, Harambee Stars, missed out on the list. The list includes seven big names who have made an impact this season.On Tuesday, 27 May 2025, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy named a 25-man provisional squad for the upcoming friendlies against Chad.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsKenya is set to face the Central African country in back-to-back friendlies scheduled for Saturday, 7 June 2025, and Tuesday, 10 June in Morocco.While the biggest talking point in the released squad is the return of Victor Wanyama to the national team after about 5 years in retirement, there are also concerns about the players who were left out.Mozzart Sport takes a look at seven key players this season whose names did not make it to the 25-man shortlist.Kenya Police coach out to end Gor, Tusker league dominanceAustin Odhiambo – Gor MahiaGor Mahia star Austin Odhiambo is perhaps the biggest omission from coach McCarthy’s squad.Fans have been lamenting the omission of Odhiambo in recent Harambee Stars squads, especially because Kenya has been lacking in the creative midfield area where the K’Ogalo man thrives.Odhiambo is undoubtedly one of the best players in Kenya, and the majority of fans expected his name to be amongst the first in the squad, especially heading to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).While the reigning FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP) has struggled with injury and a dip in form in parts of the season, his quality is not in doubt.Odhiambo is Gor Mahia’s leading goal scorer in the league with nine goals and several assists, making his omission a big talking point.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952944##Brian Michira – Shabana FCThe omission of Brian Michira of Shabana is also one that was unexpected, considering his form this season.Michira has been a key figure in Shabana’s performance this season, scoring goals, providing assists, and creating chances for his team.The pacy forward has 11 league goals to his name this season, a testament to the performance that he has shown throughout the season.Fans, especially from Shabana, took to social media, including The Harambee Stars Facebook page, to express their frustrations on Michira’s omission.Chebet’s maiden World title preparations continue in RomeJack Ong’anya – SofapakaJack Ong’anya is definitely one of the success stories in the FKF Premier League this season.In what is his debut season in the top flight, the defensive midfielder has put in great performances this season in midfield alongside veteran Humphrey Mieno.Ong’anya’s reading of the game at only 19 years of age has received praise from pundits.The former Green Commandos man also has an eye for goal in his game and most recently scored a hat-trick against Tusker FC.#HarambeeStars will play against Chad in 2⃣ friendly matches scheduled for 7th and 10th June, 2025 in Morocco Here is your provisional squad. Do you spot a familiar return? 👀 pic.twitter.com/OHkXSABRml— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) May 27, 2025 Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi – SofapakaJust like his teammate Ong’anya, Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi is also having a great season for a player who is in his debut season in the FKF Premier League.The winger, who also plays as a striker, has been an instrumental figure in Sofapaka’s resurgence this season and has made a name for himself as one of the best players in the league this season.Ondimo has also helped Sofapaka gain a following, especially in matches played at his home estate of Dandora.For his troubles, the former Rainbow player has nine goals and six assists this season.Butere-based club in cloud nine after Mozzart Bet delivers sporting equipmentMarvin Nabwire – Police FCArguably, Police FC’s best player of the season, Marvin Nabwire, has been in great shape and form this season for his club.Should Police be crowned FKF Premier League champions, they will have Nabwire to thank for the numerous times that he has produced moments of individual brilliance to guide them to victory.Nabwire is also Police’s top scorer in the league this season with seven goals to his name.Sylvester Owino – Gor MahiaGor Mahia center back once again missed out on McCarthy’s squad, to add to the list of big names overlooked.Before McCarthy’s arrival, Owino was one of the regular players in the national team and started several games alongside French-based Joseph Okumu.The defender’s participation in CHAN is now in serious doubt after seemingly failing to catch the eye of the former Manchester United assistant coach.Fans react to Victor Wanyama coming out of Harambee Stars retirementChris Erambo – TuskerTusker’s Erambo is another big name who could not find space in McCarthy’s squad.He is without a doubt one of the best defensive midfielders in the league and has helped Tusker to second on the log.Having received several call-ups under Engin Firat, the Kibera-born and bred midfielder was definitely having an eye on the same ahead of CHAN.
