Coach Odhiambo tips his boys to pull surprises in Cosafa tourney

•Odhiambo reckons the showpiece will offer Kenya an astute podium to identify sprouting talent that can re-energise the national team ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

•Odhiambo is convinced the coaches selected for the assignment will have an opportunity to accumulate the necessary experience.

Emerging Stars head coach Ken Odhiambo reckons his charges possess the mojo to assert authority at the 2024 Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup.

The national men's Under-23 team received an invitation to feature in the 12-nation tournament as guests.

A strong 23-member Kenyan contingent left for South Africa on Tuesday ahead of the showpiece that will be held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa from today to Sunday (July 7).

Speaking before their departure, head coach Ken Odhiambo expressed optimism that his charges will thrive in the competition.

Odhiambo reckons the showpiece will offer Kenya an astute podium to identify sprouting talent that can re-energise the national team ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The youngsters will flex muscles with teams boasting the typical enrolment of proficient senior players.

"Our team largely comprises players under the age of 23 who will have an opportunity to gain international experience and exposure. It's also a glorious opportunity for them to showcase their talent," Odhiambo remarked.

"The idea is to graduate our emerging talent early enough for future assignments. It might appear a big risk at the moment but it's one worth taking if we want to build a good team," he added.

Odhiambo is convinced the coaches selected for the assignment will have an opportunity to accumulate the necessary experience.

"It's not the players only who will benefit from this tournament. We stand to gain a lot as coaches given we will be parading our youngsters against some of the most decorated teams in Africa such as Zambia and South Africa," Odhiambo remarked.

Kenya will be appearing in the Cosafa Cup for the first time since 2013 when they were eliminated at the group stage.

The Emerging Stars have been drawn in Group 'A' alongside Zambia, Comoros, and Zimbabwe. Other nations in the tournament include Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, Seychelles and hosts South Africa.

Kenya will kick off their campaign against Zambia on June 27 at the NMB Stadium.

This year’s format sees the 12 teams broken down into four groups of three, in which round-robin matches are played. The top team from each group advances to the semifinal, as does the runner-up with the best record.

The semifinals will followed by a third-place playoff and final, both held on July 7 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Zambia are the most successful team in Cosafa having won seven titles.

They are followed by Zimbabwe (six titles), South Africa (five), Angola (three) and Namibia (one).

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Ibrahim Wanzala, Dolph Junior: Defenders: Alphonce Omija, Paul Ochuoga, Sylvester Owino, Geoffrey Onyango, Amos Wanjala: Midfielders: Stanley Wilson, Elly Owande, Chrispine Erambo, Aldrine Kibet, Austine Odhiambo, Patrick Otieno, John Ochieng, Kaycie Odhiambo, William Gitamu, Rooney Onyango: Forwards: Benson Omalla, Jeremy Bissau, Alfred Tanui, Hassan Beja and Moses Shummah.

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