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Here are five players you should cast an eye on at the upcoming Malawi Four Nations tournament.
Kenya U20 are set to take part in their first of two fixtures at the Malawi Four Nations Tournament when they take on Zimbabwe U20 on Friday, 22nd March.
Head coach Salim Babu named a squad of 23 players for the tournament but did not travel with them for lacking travel papers -instead, his assistant Anthony Akhulia will take charge -.
Although all 23 players should be watched keenly, there are five that will be out to make an impression not just for the nation, but also for their respective clubs, and even for their futures.
Here are five players that should be keenly monitored:
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08:09 - 22.03.2024
FOOTBALL Flashback: When Paul Were and Kevin Omondi were booted from Harambee Stars for sneaking ladies to team hotel
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Paul Ochuoga
The Gor Mahia right back was promoted to the first team under the stewardship of Johnathan McKinstry and did get some minutes for part of last season, but has struggled for gametime for much of the season given Rooney Onyango’s impeccable form since signing for the club.
Ochuoga will be battling out for the right back position with Sofapaka’s Baron Ochieng. He is an energetic presence down that right flank, with his willingness to bomb up and down the flank giving whichever team he plays for several solutions.
He will be itching to send a message to his club and potentially, Engin Firat of more responsibility at a higher level with this tournament.
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07:00 - 22.03.2024
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat erupted in fury after unexpected night visit before Malawi departure
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Enock Masinza
Enock ‘Junior’ Masinza is a versatile defender who can also play as a wide forward given his pace. Masinza has been getting sustained game time for Kakamega Homeboyz but lacks much international experience.
By being part of the team, the former Vihiga Bullets man will be battling out with Collins Ochieng, who shone as a left back at the CECAFA U18 championships last December, for the starting berth.
Ochieng’ has a solid relationship with Tyrone Kariuki, but Masinza has top-flight experience, and will be expected to put it to good use in Malawi.
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21:00 - 21.03.2024
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Faiz Ouma
Another player coming out of the pipeline at Rainbow FC, the club that has been producing some exciting players such as Tyrone Kariuki and Linus Munyao, Ouma is another player who will be hoping to grab his opportunity with both hands in Malawi.
The budding youngster went on trials to Crystal Palace last August, underpinning just how highly-rated he is, and is expected to feature at center back for the side alongside Gor Mahia’s Joshua Onyango, who is also in the squad.
Chris Koloti
AFC Leopards newbie Chris Koloti will be looking to create a name for himself at the tournament and send a message to his club coach Thomas Trucha, who is yet to give him a single minute of football since signing him from Green Commandos.
Koloti completed his form four examinations last year and is a handful striker to contain. He can play with his back to goal and give his opposition defenders problems given his presence upfront and could link well with willing runners like Hassan Beja, his teammate at club level as well.
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18:39 - 21.03.2024
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Timothy Ouma
There is a chance Timothy Ouma could be part of the senior squad after Eric Johanna Omondi was left at home for being involved in an altercation with Abud Omar before the side flew out to Malawi on Thursday morning.
However, should he stay with the U20s, he will get a chance to get sustained minutes at international level, having barely featured for his club, but Firat had insisted he wanted FKF to name youth teams consistently to give younger players international exposure, and Ouma, who has never started a game for Stars despite earning five caps, will be hoping he can get it at the junior level.
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18:02 - 21.03.2024
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Gor Mahia's Rooney Onyango has explained the reasons behind his rise to prominence for Harambee Stars.
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