Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy named his first squad when he unveiled a 48-man provisional team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers but who are some of the big winners?
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has named his provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon with some getting debuts while others are returning.
With the 49-man team set to be whittled down before they depart for Egypt where they will play the Gambia on March 20, before facing Gabon three days later, Pulse Sports looks at the big winners from the squad.
Brian Bwire
Brian Bwire in action for Polokwane City.
South African-based goalkeeper Brain Bwire has been called again to the national team but this time round there is no Bryne Odhiambo and Patrick Matasi, who have been preferred ahead of him in recent matches.
Bwire, who now plays for South African side Polokwane City, last played for Harambee Stars in November 2021 during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Uganda and since then, he has been watching either from the sidelines or on the bench.
The former Tusker goalkeeper has played six games for Polokwane City this season while the last time he was in the national team was in November last year when he was on the bench for Kenya’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Brian Mandela
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Brian Onyango Mandela is set to make a return to the Harambee Stars squad. Photo/Stellenbosch FC
Another player based in South Africa, Mandela was among the first players sounded out by new coach Benni McCarthy with his club revealing last weekend that he had earned a national team call-up.
Mandela has not also played so much for his club Stellenbosch FC, with just seven games under his belt since joining this season, but still convinced the technical bench that he was good enough to be utilised.
Onyango last featured for Kenya on October 12, 2023 during their thrilling 2-2 draw with Russia in a friendly match, having also played 90 minutes in their 1-0 loss to South Sudan in Nairobi, a month earlier.
Injuries have decimated him in recent years but he has gone unscathed so far this season which has earned him a place in the team and will be among the experienced centre-backs in the side.
Ismael Gonzalez
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Ismael Gonzalez in a past action for Harambee Stars.
Just weeks after opening up over his desire to return to the national team, Spanish-based midfielder Ismael Gonzalez has been named into the provisional team.
Now playing for Spanish Primera Division RFEF side Merida AD until the end of the season, Gonzalez’s last call-up for Harambee Stars came in November 2021 ahead of the 2022 World Cup qualifier against Mali and has not played since.
Born in Spain to a Kenyan father, Gonzalez opted to represent Kenya and made his debut in 2016 under former coach Stanley Okumbi and later played a part as Harambee Stars qualified for AFCON 2019.
Mathew Tegisi
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Matthew Tegist (C) celebrates with teammates during their 2-2 draw with Ulinzi Stars. Photo credit || Imago
Former Shabana striker Mathew Tegisi has also earned a place in the team being the first time he will be involved in the World Cup qualifiers if he makes the cut to the final team.
Tegisi left Shabana in December to join Tanzanian side Pamba Jiji, where he scored his debut goal last week, having netted five for Shabana this term before he left.
He is among strikers angling for a place in the final squad among a host of forwards selected by McCarthy.
Kelly Madada
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Kelly Madada (R) challenges Charles Momanyi (L) during a training session for Harambee Stars. Photo || FKF
Fast-rising AFC Leopards youngster Kelly Madada has also caught the eye of the technical bench given his impressive performances at club level.
Madada earned his maiden call-up ahead of the Mapinduzi Cup in January and is seen as one for the future especially with the 2024 African Nations Championships set to be hosted in Kenya where he could play a vital role.
Still learning the ropes, Madada is a rank outsider to make the final team given the experience available in midfield but he will be hoping to convince McCarthy and his team that he is good enough.
