McCarthy explains omission of Bajaber, Marcelo from Harambee Stars squad
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 27.08.25. | 17:47
The tactician took to his social media to respond to the omission of the two influential players
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why Mohammed Bajaber and Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma did not make it to the team ahead of crucial assignments.
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McCarthy named a 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles set for next September.
Worried Kenyans took to the Harambee Stars Instagram account to ask of the whereabouts of among others the two players who have been key for team.
In one of the comments, a Kenyan fan Am. Kanga asked ‘Where is Bajaber’ unto which McCarthy chose to reply
“Still recovering from injury,” wrote McCarthy.
Another user, Edd Kipkorir asked about Erick ‘Marcelo' Ouma who plays for Rakow Czestochowa in Poland.
McCarthy responded by revealing that the overlapping defender was nursing an injury.
“Injured. Achilles tendon operation," he disclosed.
However, the former South African international could not explain the exclusion of Gor Mahia star Austine Odhiambo.
“Where is Austin?,” posed Omeme Komeme.
“Where is Austin Odhiambo or I am short sighted,” posed Kirungu Jackson.
Another user, Senior Max asked “Now it is on Austin that wr do not understand what is happening,”
Odhiambo was also excluded from the Harambee Stars quarter final match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) against Madagascar.
Kenyans on the platform were impressed that the coach was there to respond to their queries instantly, hailing his connection with the fans.
“I like this coach. You ask about a player in the comment section and you get an answer on the spot. A very accommodative gaffer. Thank you for doing this, ” posted Davishitah Kenya.
Of the 23 members of McCarthy's latest squad, only 10 ply their trade outside the Kenyan borders, a testament to the faith McCarthy has on the CHAN squad.
Harambee Stars Full Squad
Goalkeepers
1. Faruk Shikhalo
2. Brian Bwire
3. Byrne Omondi
Defenders
4. Sylvester Owino
5. Alphonce Omija
6. Collins Sichenje
7. Michael Kibwage
8. Rooney Onyango
9. Abud Omar
10. Lewis Bandi
Midfielders
11. Richard Odada
12. Alpha Onyango
13. Duke Abuya
14. Manzur Okwaro
15. Timothy Ouma
16. Ben Stanley
17. Marvin Nabwire
Forwards
18. Emmanuel Osoro
19. Will Lenkupae
20. Job Ochieng
21. Boniface Muchiri
22. Michael Olunga
23. Ryan Ogam
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