Here is everything you need to know about the South African-linked players who could shine for Harambee Stars under new coach Benni McCarthy.
The fight for a place in the Harambee Stars final squad for the first match of Benni McCarthy‘s reign is already looking intense.
Following the announcement of the provisional squad on Tuesday, donning the national team colours is going to be on merit if the assembled squad is to be trusted.
However, McCarthy has watched Kenyan players further their careers in South Africa and the watchful eye of the 47-year-old could be crucial in determining who will be on the plane to Ivory Coast for the crunch clash against the Gambia on March 20.
Pulse Sports brings you the 5 players who have tested themselves in the South African Premiership that could be considered for duty against The Gambia and Gabon.
Ian Otieno
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno
Ian Otieno is a Kenyan goalkeeper who plies trade with Richards Bay in the South Africa Premiership. The 31-year-old boasts a wealth of experience, having played for Posta Rangers, AFC Leopards, Red Arrows and Zesco United.
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Brian Bwire
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Brian Bwire in Harambee Stars colours.
Bwire has been capped twice by Harambee Stars and is currently the Polokwane City shot stopper . The former Kariobangi Sharks and Tusker goalkeeper made his Harambee Stars debut against Mali in a 2022 World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium.
Joseph Okumu
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Reims defender and Harambee Stars prospect Joseph Okumu.
Okumu has played club football for Chemelil Sugar, Free State Stars and AFC Ann Arbor. At AFC Ann Arbor he made 8 league appearances in the 2018 season.On August 16, 2018, Okumu signed for USL Championship side Real Monarchs. A year later, Okumu transferred to Swedish Allsvenskan side IF Elfsborg for an undisclosed fee.
In June 2021, he signed for Belgian club Gent for €3.5 million before securing a transfer to French Ligue 1 side Reims. At Free State Stars, he made seven appearances.
Teddy Akumu
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Kenyan midfielder Anthony ‘Teddy’ Akumu in training with Harambee Stars.
The all-action midfielder made a name for himself in South Africa between 2020-2022 with Kaizer Chiefs where he made a total of 34 appearances and scored two goals. The former Gor Mahia player currently dons Kheybar Khorramabad colours. With 47 caps under his belt, Akumu is lucky to have also played in Japan for Sagan Tosu and Zambian giants ZESCO United.
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Brian Mandela
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Brian Mandela who plays for Stellenbosch FC in South Africa. Photo/Stellenbosch
Mandela, 30, has enjoyed a decade in South Africa since 2015. Between 2015-2019, the 30-year-old played for Maritzburg United, raking up 777 appearances and scoring eight goals. He then moved to Mamelodi Sundowns (2020-2024). Mandela plays for Stellenbosch. He has scored twice in 22 appearances for Harambee Stars.
The South African Premiership is an intense championship that involves tactical awareness and deploys the possession-based philosophy. With such experience, coupled with Benni McCarthy‘s knowledge of South African football, he can help unlock the dormant potential in Kenya.
McCarthy is the right man to get the best from these players and the rest of the squad. Joseph Okumu, Ian Otieno and Athony Akumu have been regulars for the Stars and will likely play a crucial role going forward. The trio could be instrumental in how McCarthy wants to play. With McCarthy at the helm of the Stars, Kenya’s ties with South Africa could be further strengthened by seeing more players flock into the Premiership.
