Marcelo back as Wanyama, Timbe out for Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars First Coach Stanley Okumbi has recalled Georgian-based defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma to the national team ahead the October 5 and 8 friendlies against Iraq and Thailand.

Striker Michael Olunga, who requested to skip the previous Mozambique friendly to complete his move to Girona, is also in Okumbi’s fold and is set to make his first appearance since making the loan switch to the Spanish LaLiga side from China.

Marcelo had been axed from the Stars squad for the first time since earning his maiden call up last year with Okumbi reiterating the left-back had lost the form that made him a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) darling before ditching Gor Mahia FC for FC Kolkheti Poti.

Meanwhile, skipper Victor Wanyama, winger Ayub Timbe and defender Brian Mandela have all been left out.

According to FKF, the three are nursing injuries with US-based David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng’ also missing due to issues to do with his travel documents.

Gor Mahia’s winger George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo who had received Okumbi’s nod in the last assignment misses in the squad.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (Posta Rangers), Boniface Oluoch (Gor Mahia)

Defenders: Haron Shakava (Gor Mahia), Robinson Kamura (AFC Leopards), Simon Mbugua (Posta Rangers), David Owino (Zesco FC), Musa Mohammed (Gor Mahia), Jockins Atudo (Posta Rangers), Dennis Sikhayi (AFC Leopards), Abud Omar (Slava Sofia), Erick Ouma (Kolkheti Poti)

Midfielders: Anthony Akumu (Zesco FC), Ernest Wendo (Gor Mahia), Patilah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks), Kenneth Muguna, (Gor Mahia), Samuel Onyango (Ulinzi FC), Stephen Waruru (Ulinzi Stars), Eric Johana Omondi (Vasalund’s FC), Boniface Muchiri (Tusker FC), Cliffton Miheso (Buildcon FC)

Strikers: John Mark Makwatta (Buildcon FC), Masoud Juma (Kariobangi Sharks), Jesse Jackson Were (Zesco FC), Michael Olunga (Girona FC)