Odindo Ayieko
11 April 2008
Nairobi — Czech-based striker Morris Odhiambo was among the players who turned up for selection to the national Under-20 team at Nairobi School on Thursday.
Nineteen year-old Odhiambo, who is close to signing a long-term contract with Czech first division club FK Siad Most, says he hoped to make the cut for the team that starts residential training tomorrow at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in preparation for the Africa Youth Championships qualifier against Somalia in Djibouti next weekend.
Over 100 young players attended the selection.
"I am confident I will be selected to the final squad. It is my burning ambition to play for Kenya.
"This will be my launching pad towards making it to the senior team Harambee Stars," said Odhiambo, who captained Kamukunji High School to victory in the Nairobi Province schools soccer championships two years ago and also to the semi-finals of the national championships.
The national Under 17 coach, Gabriel Njoroge, has asked the Kenya Football Federation to be keen when the team meets Rwanda in Kigali on Monday to ensure their opponents do not field over-aged players.
Njoroge has also delayed naming his final squad for the Africa qualifier as he monitors the fitness of several players who are nursing injuries.
"I hope by Friday, I will have a full list of 18 players to travel for the crucial game in Kigali," said Njoroge.
"But the KFF must be on the look out so that our opponents do not employ dirty tricks by fielding over-aged players. We saw several teams fielding aged players last year during the Cecafa Under-17 championships. It is my prayer this does not happen because it will be unfair," he observed.
Njoroge said he will be going to Rwanda to avoid defeat as he maps out a strategy for the return leg in Nairobi after a fortnight.
"We still have a few days to prepare well for the big match with a few hic ups but I hope we can have a favourable result."
The match against Rwanda which was initially scheduled for Saturday has been pushed to Monday on request from the country's soccer federation as the nation observes the 14th anniversary of the genocide.
Njoroge is still worried about his key player Daniel Kanogo who is nursing an injury. He has put Kanogo on observation hoping he will recover in time for the trip tomorrow.
In camp Thursday were goalkeepers Seif Mwangiand Johnson Bwire, defenders Fredrick Chitai, Isaac Samenga, Eric Odhiambo, Fredrick Okoth, Victor Maloba and Bernard Okello. The midfielders in the team are Tillian Atatu, Tony Wango, Benson Kayela, Victor Shinga, Abdi Majid and Kevin Mukawasa while Bonface Ndege, Jackson Sitati, Musa Bashir and Gilbert Ndayo are the strikers.
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