Kariobangi Sharks captain Patila Omotto was the surprise inclusion in the Harambee Stars squad headed to the Cecafa Senior challenge Cup that kicks off this coming Saturday in Kampala, Uganda.

Omotto has made some history of sorts by becoming the first player from the Nationwide league to make it into the final Kenya senior team squad for a tournament.

"He deserves to be in the team. He has been very consistent for Sharks as well as the national under 20 team and I think it is fair that a player is given the opportunity to shine when he is at his best and Omotto has been at his best for the last two years and particularly this year,"said Mathare United and under 20 coach Stanley Okumbi who is also part of Sharks technical bench.

The Stars head coach Henri Michel has released a team of 25 players which will be handled at the regional tourney by under 23 coach James Nandwa

The squad is made up of a mixture of experienced internationals like Sofapaka goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng,Tusker defender and captain Joseph Shikokoti, AFC Leopards strikers Mike Barasa and Alan Wanga and Tanzania Azam's Ibrahim Shikanda as well as first timers Edwin Lavatsa and US based defender Lawrence Olum

Kenya have been pooled in a tough group "A" alongside hosts and defending champions Uganda, Africa Cup of Nations bound Ethiopia and debutantes South Sudan