Ryan Ogam out, Madada in as McCarthy names Harambee Stars squad for Lesotho friendlies
By Luke Oluoch, June 1, 2026AFC Leopards youngster Kelly Madada is among the new call-ups to the national soccer team Harambee Stars for the revised June 2026 international window.
The Ingwe midfielder is among the four changes made to the team by coach Benni McCarthy. Madada joins the team along with Amos Nondi and custodian Brian Bwire, who have been called up to strengthen the squad ahead of the two encounters.
Replacements
The quartet has replaced Spain-based Job Ochieng, Ryan Ogam, and Byrne Omondi, who will miss out on the trip.
Ochieng suffered an injury in his last appearance for the Stars during the concluded FIFA Series friendly in Rwanda.
In the rescheduled June friendlies, Stars will now take on Lesotho in two international friendly matches.
The revised fixtures will both be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa, as the Harambee Stars continue preparations and build-up activities during the international break.
The first game will be played on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 4:00 pm, with the final game set for Sunday, June 7, 2026, also at 4:00 pm.
The Ingwe ace has enjoyed a stellar campaign in the local league as Fred Ambani’s charges finished as league runners-up behind leaders and new champions Gor Mahia.
His call-up comes after a sustained backlash from the fans and club officials over a possible deliberate snub of the Ingwe players from the national team setup.
The squad includes three goalkeepers: Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo, and Caleb Kramer.
In defence, the coaches selected Erick Ouma, Stanley Wilson, Sylvester Owino, Frank Odhiambo, Alphonce Omija, Deon Woodman, Rooney Onyango, and Sydney Agina.
The midfield department features Richard Odada, Chris Erambo, Clarke Odour, Will Lenkupae, Austine Odhiambo, and Zech Obiero.
Leading the attack will be Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Sammy Hena-Kamau, Micah Obiero, and Lawrence Okoth.