Belarus-based Lopaga delights in national team call up

Belarus-based Josephat Lopaga is elated after landing his first-ever call-up to the national team, the Harambee Stars, for the COSAFA Cup.

The Dynamo Brest man was among the players selected by coach Ken Odhiambo on Tuesday evening ahead of the championship, which will take place in South Africa from June 26 to July 7, 2024.

Kenya will participate in the tournament as an invited team after Malawi pulled out, and they are grouped in Group B alongside holders Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Comoros.

Harambee Stars are set to present a youthful side to the Cup, with a majority earning their first-ever call-up to the national team. Lopaga is among the new call-ups to the national team, and the former Postar Rangers and AFC Leopards man is elated.

“I am a happy man; playing for the national team is every player’s dream, and to get this call means the world to me,” the speedy forward told Mozzart Sport.

“The player added that the call-up fulfills what has been a long-standing dream for him. “I have been working really hard with my eyes on representing my country, and I am looking forward to linking up with the rest of the squad,” he added.

Regarding the team's aspirations, he says the aim will be to go to South Africa and come back with the title.

“Of course, the aim in every tournament is to try and win it. I believe that will be our goal when we head to South Africa, to try and bring the cup home,” he concluded.

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Kenya Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Bryne Omondi (Bandari), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)

Defenders

Alphonce Omija (Dhofar, Oman), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Boniface Onyango (Tusker), Geoffrey Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks), Hanniff Wesonga (KCB), Amos Wanjala (Nastic Sports Academy, Spain), Johnstone Omurwa (Portugal), Faiz Opande (USA), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka)

Midfielders

Wilson Stanley (Kariobangi Sharks), Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia), John Ochieng (Zanaco, Zambia), Anthony Akumu (Unattached), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Aldrine Kibet (Nastic Sports, Spain), Bajaber Mohammed (City Stars), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Patrick Otieno (Posta Rangers), Hassan Beja (AFC Leopards), Emmanuel Osoro (Nzoia Sugar), William Gatimu (Bandari), Fortune Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards)

Forwards

Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Josphat Lopaga (Dynamo Brest, Belarus), Samuel Kapen (Nairobi City Stars), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient, England), George Gitau (Middlesborough, England), Jeremy Bissau (Brooke House College, England)

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