Five stars abroad Ghost should watch out for

Harambee Stars wrapped up their 2021 AFCON Qualifiers campaign with impressive performances against Egypt at home and Togo away in Lome.

There was a breath of fresh air as coach Jacob Ghost Mulee introduced a somewhat different squad from the one that kicked off the qualifiers. In what is now a clear rebuild of the team, the gaffer did away with regulars like captain Victor Wanyama, Aboud Omar, Turkey-based Johanna Omolo, speedy winger Ayub Timbe who recently moved to Vissel Kobe in Japan and Sweden-based forward Eric Johanna.

Ghost was quoted recently saying that foreign-based players will have to fight for their place in their respective clubs before getting call-ups in the National team and that tells you the direction the National team is taking.

The local players who got a chance to prove their worth in the two matches also did not disappoint with Kariobangi Sharks right-back Daniel Sakari and Bandari winger Abdallah Hassan particularly putting in good shifts in the two matches.

Focus now shifts to 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Kenya is in Group E alongside Mali, Uganda and Rwanda. The table-topper in this group will advance to the third and final round of qualifiers. With proper planning, Harambee Stars stands a fair chance of topping this group.

The current squad as currently constituted is good enough but it can get better in my opinion. If Ghost is serious about the rebuild then he should add a few stars abroad who are yet to get a chance in the senior National team a chance. Here are several options.

1.      Phillip Mwene – Mainz 05 (Germany)

The 27-year old right-back is finally getting regular playtime in the Bundesliga after struggling with injuries during his first season at Mainz 05.

Born to a Kenyan father and Austrian mother, Mwene has featured for Austrian Junior National teams but is yet to play for the senior team. I know for a fact the current Football Kenya Federation (FKF) regime at some point initiated talks with his father about the possibility of the player featuring for Kenya and the discussion did not end up well but it’s about time to revisit the discussion.

We have struggled with the right-back position for a while and with Sakari now proving to be a good addition, Mwene, if we get him, will also be a very valuable asset. Squad depth is key.

2.      Justin Dhillon – San Antonio FC (USA)

Born to a Kenyan father and US mother, the 25-year old is a renowned striker in the US. He started his career at LA Galaxy Academy but became an established forward at Seattle Sounders. Talk is rife that he has finally acquired his Kenyan passport and is ready to make his debut for Harambee Stars.

We have Olunga as our first choice striker while Henry Meja, Erick Kapaito and Elvis Rupia are scoring for fun in the FKFPL but it doesn’t hurt to try Justin, a proven goal scorer.

3.      Richard Odada – Red Star (Serbia)

After various trials across different big teams in Europe – AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus amongst others, the boy from Rongai finally settled at Red Star. He was sent out on loan at second-tier side Graficar Belgrade where he thrived and is now part of the Red Star senior team.

He is yet to become a regular at Red Star but is slowly but surely catching the attention of the coach with his powerful displays in central midfield. He is definitely a good option in DM and with his age on his side (20), he is surely one for the future.

4.      Clarke Oduor – Barnsley (England)

The 21-year old left-back is no stranger to the National team as he was introduced to the set-up by former coach Francis Kimanzi during a friendly match against Zambia late last year but he hasn’t been called up again yet.

He got a few minutes against Zambia and exhibited some flashes of brilliance and I think we need him for the long-term. With Marcelo (Eric Ouma) now a senior and regular in the National Team, the addition of Clarke, who can also play as a wing-back will make our left flank even stronger.

5.      Ismael Dunga – Sagan Tosu (Japan)

Ismael Dunga needs no introduction in the Kenyan football scene. The big question has always been why he is overlooked by the National team.

The much-traveled striker recently completed a move to Japanese top-tier side Sagan Tosu after impressing for Vllaznia in Albania. He is another proven striker who can ease off the pressure from Olunga.

Others

Other stars abroad who we should pay close attention to as we rebuild our National team are West Ham U23 midfielder Henry Ochieng, Alwyn Tera who features for Georgian champions Saburtalo, US-based Tobias Otieno, defender Daniel Anyembe who turns out for Esbjerg in Denmark, Everton's Tyler Onyango, Linton Maina, a right-winger at Hannover 96 and Bristol Rovers striker Jonah Ayunga.