By DENNIS MABUKA
SWEDEN-based professional, Paul Oyuga, has been recalled to national team Harambee Stars that is gearing up for return leg Africa Cup of Nations Group Six qualifying match against Swaziland in Mbabane on June 3.
Oyuga, who last played for Stars in run up to 2004 Nations Cup finals held in Tunisia, replaces Malaysia-based and former Ulinzi striker, Mike Barasa, who is unavailable due to personal commitment.
“Since Barasa will be committed elsewhere, we have been forced to recall Oyuga. I’m very confident that Oyuga will be good cover for Barasa,” Stars coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee told reporters yesterday.
Barasa played for the last 15 minutes of the first leg encounter between Stars and Swaziland at Nyayo National Stadium on March 25. Stars won the tie 2-0.
Also making a comeback to the side is former Tusker striker Oscar Kadenge. Kadenge is currently turns out for Rwandese side, Rayon Sports, after having a one-year spell at former Uganda league champions Sports Club Villa.
The tactician said Norway based midfield maestro Titus Mulama, may not make the team. “You remember Mulama limped out of the pitch when we played Swaziland and is yet to recover fully. He just returned the other day for his side and thus he will not be fit for the return match,” he said.
Chemelil Sugar’s Mike Mururi has been included in the side as Mulama’s replacement.
Mulee said he expects four professionals to be involved when Stars take on Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a friendly match at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani on Sunday.
The four include skipper Robert “Boban” Mambo (Sweden), Patrick Oboya (Czech Republic), Kadenge (Rwanda) and Jamal Mohammed (Israel).
Mulee said he believes Stars are capable of upsetting the two time Africa and Olympic champions, who are on transit to Kampala, Uganda, where they face Cranes in another return Nations Cup qualifier on June 3. “We are prepared for the big match. I have a team ready to do battle and I can promise an outright win against them,” Mulee said flanked by assistant coaches Twahir Muhiddin and Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno.
He said he will field a blend of upcoming and experienced players adding: “Only 90 minutes will decide the outcome but I know we will come out on top.”
Mulee confirmed that he expects remaining professionals to link up with the team by next Tuesday. “We hope the remaining pros will have joined us in camp by Tuesday because after the Nigeria match…we have four days in Kasarani before departing to Swaziland.”
Meanwhile, defender Charles “Fundi” Oduor is relishing a dream comeback to the team if Mulee picks him to play against Nigeria. Oduor, who turns out for Tusker, was recalled to the team last week after a six year absence.
His last match for Stars was in 2001 against Gabon that the hosts, then under Germany-born coach Reinhardt Fabisch, won 2-1 at Kasarani.
“It feels good to be back in the team. I have been out for six years and to include me in the side after such a long time shows that the coach has faith in me.
I know I will have to work extra hard to win a position in the side since all central defenders are good.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s advance party arrived in Nairobi yesterday and immediately proceeded to Grand Regency Hotel where the team has been booked (adds Charles Thuku).
Nigeria Football Association (NFA) deputy secretary in charge of competitions, Mohammed Sanusi who led the visitor’s three-man party, said home-based players alongside deputy coach Agustine Eguaovon were scheduled to jet in yesterday evening followed by the professionals today.
Sanusi added that foreign legion will make a late arrival in the country alongside the team’s German head coach Berti Vogts.
He said after the friendly against Kenya, the team will fly directly to Kampala.
Lifted from Kenya Times 24/05/2007
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