Sports

Harambee Stars begin preparations in Rwanda ahead of FIFA Series

Luke Oluoch 25th March, 2026 07:01 AM

The Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, has embarked on preparations for the upcoming FIFA-sanctioned friendly series in Rwanda. Benni McCarthy’s charges are preparing to face Estonia, hosts Rwanda, and Grenada in the multi-nation tournament.

Kenya will first face the European side, Estonia, on Friday, March 27, 2026. The winner of that clash will meet the winner of the match between Rwanda and Grenada on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Both ties will be staged at the Amahoro Stadium.

After departing Kenya on Tuesday morning, March 24, 2026, the Stars players underwent light training sessions in Rwanda, focusing on fitness build-up as part of their fine-tuning for the international assignments.

Players pull out

These preparations come as up to ten players initially called up to the national team were confirmed to be unavailable. Among those missing are Captain Michael Olunga, Erick Ouma, England-based Zak Vyner, Collins Sichenje, and the Gor Mahia pair of Sylvester Owino and custodian Bryne Omondi.

To fill the gaps, coach McCarthy confirmed that Gor Mahia duo Mike Kibwage and Ben Stanley Omondi, alongside goalkeeper Faruk Shikalo, were among the late call-ups who traveled with the team to Kigali.

Mansur Okwaro with Harambee Stars teammates. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/officialharambeestars

Zech Obiero, who recently joined Tranmere Rovers in English League Two, is among the new call-ups, who will be hoping to make their Harambee Stars debuts during the series.

The youngster has been in fine form after switching to League Two, where he has found the back of the net multiple times for the struggling outfit.

Other notable inclusions are South Africa-based custodian Ian Otieno and Clarke Oduor of Grimsby Town FC, who returns to the national team fold after a lengthy absence.