The six notable absentees from Harambee Stars provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
As head coach Engin Firat unveiled the provisional Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia, the exclusion of several key players has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
With crucial fixtures against Zimbabwe’s Swallows in Uganda on September 4 and an away match against Namibia on September 10, 2024, the team’s composition is under intense scrutiny.
1. Zak Vyner – Defender (Bristol City – England)
Zak Vyner, who was called up for the Harambee Stars during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi, has yet to make his debut due to passport issues.
This unresolved documentation problem appears to have sidelined him once again. Coach Firat expressed his uncertainty about Vyner’s availability, telling Passion Sports, “About Zak, I need green light and it still has not been sorted till now.” The ongoing bureaucratic hurdle continues to delay Vyner’s debut on the international stage.
2. Eric Johanna Omondi – Forward (FC UTA ARAD – Romania)
Eric Johanna Omondi’s exclusion from the squad marks a significant shift, following two turbulent camps marred by disciplinary issues.
Omondi was previously sent home after a confrontation with Aboud Omar and later went AWOL after being granted a night off before traveling to Malawi for qualifiers last June. While Firat emphasized that the door is not shut on Omondi, his absence may be part of an internal effort to address his conduct.
Omondi recently played for UTA Arad in Romania, suggesting that his form isn’t the issue, but rather his off-field behavior.
3. Daniel Anyembe – Defender (Viborg FF – Denmark)
Daniel Anyembe, who has earned nine caps for Kenya, will miss the upcoming qualifiers due to ongoing documentation issues, despite his recent appearance for Viborg on Monday night.
Coach Firat confirmed two weeks ago that Anyembe had already opted out, citing challenges with the availability of foreign-based players. “Anyembe will not be available again,” Firat reiterated, signaling continued complications in securing his participation.
Despite having his passport issue resolved, Tobias Knost has been surprisingly left out of the squad. This decision delays the former German international’s debut for Kenya, raising questions about the reasoning behind his exclusion.
4. Bruce Kamau – Winger (Free Agent)
Bruce Kamau, who was left out of the final squad for the World Cup qualifiers last June, finds himself excluded once again.
The Kenyan-born player, who moved to Australia at the age of four, is currently unattached after being released by Perth Glory in Australia’s A-League. Kamau’s international career remains in limbo, despite having previously represented Australia’s U23 national team.
5. Brian Mandela – Defender (Stellenbosch FC – South Africa)
Former Sundowns defender Brian Mandela, who hasn’t played for Kenya since their 1-0 loss to South Sudan at Kasarani Stadium last September, is another notable absentee.
Firat praised Mandela’s character, saying, “Brian is a top character and very popular within the team.” Mandela has faced tough injuries over the past year, raising doubts about his ability to return to form.
Having recently joined South African Premier Soccer League side Stellenbosch FC, Firat may be giving Mandela time to settle before considering a call-up.
6. Ayub Timbe – Forward (Sabail FK – Azerbaijan)
Ayub Timbe, a key player in Firat’s plans, has also been left out of the squad. According to Pulse Sports, Timbe is close to finalizing a move to Turkish second-tier side Ankaraspor Kulübü, following his departure from FK Sabail in Azerbaijan.
Firat had previously highlighted Timbe’s importance, noting how his pace and trickery create space for Michael Olunga, as seen during the Malawi Four Nations Tournament in March. However, Timbe’s current priority appears to be securing his club future.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari)
Defenders:
Collins Sichenje (Vodvojina), Joseph Okumu (Reims-France), Johnstone Omurwa, Amos Nondi (Ararat), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Eric Ouma (Rakow-Poland), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia)
Midfielders:
Kayci Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Dundee United), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Eric Johanna (UTA-Romania), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Patrick Otieno (KCB), Duke Abuya (Young Africans), Timothy Ouma (Elfsberg)
Forwards:
John Avire (P. Suez), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Benson Omalla (Safa SC), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards)
