Precocious Leopards player Madada makes Harambee Stars cut for Mapinduzi Cup
Harambee Stars’ Isaac Omweri (right) dribbles past Shafan Oyugi during a team training session at Mpesa Foundation Academy, Thika on December 30, 2025 ahead of the Mapinduzi Cup, scheduled to take place from Friday to January 13 in Zanzibar.
What you need to know:
- Kenya is using Mapinduzi Cup as part of their preparations for the African Nations Championship (Chan) that will be co-hosted by the three East African nations from February 1 to 28.
- “The mood in the camp is upbeat, with players showing a strong sense of camaraderie and determination,” said Kimanzi.
AFC Leopards precocious attacking midfielder Kelly Madada has made the final 26-strong Harambee Stars squad set to leave Nairobi Thursday for the annual Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.
The draw for the six-nation tournament is out with Kenya opening their account against Burundi on Monday.
The inclusion of the 19-year-old Madada follows his recent sterling performance in the Kenyan Premier League (FKF-PL).
Nairobi United’s talented winger Isaac Omweri, the only player from the National Super League (NSL) called up in the provisional squad, did not make the cut.
Current FKF-PL top scorer , Ryan Ogam, who has scored 13 goals for Tusker got the expected call but there was no place for KCB winger Francis Kahiro despite his remarkable form this season since joining the bankers from Bandari.
The 25-year old striker, who was no doubt itching for the international call, has scored nine goals for the bankers, propelling them to the top of the 18-team league table.
The league leaders will however, have two representatives in the squad in the frame of Hanif Wesonga and Michael Mutinda.
The annual Mapinduzi Cup will also feature hosts Zanzibar, Tanzania mainland, Sudan and Burkina Faso.
Stars interim coach Francis Kimanzi named the tour party Wednesday dropping 12 players from the initial provisional squad that started training on December 28.
Winners of the Zanzibari tournament are set to walk away with a cool Sh6.25 million in prize money while runners up will earn Sh4.35 million and third placed finishers Sh3.1 million.
Kenya is using Mapinduzi Cup as part of their preparations for the African Nations Championship (Chan) that will be co-hosted by the three East African nations from February 1 to 28.
“The mood in the camp is upbeat, with players showing a strong sense of camaraderie and determination,” said Kimanzi.
“This is just the beginning. We aim to build a team that not only competes at the Mapinduzi Cup, buts also lays the foundation for long-term success at Chan and beyond,” said the vastly experienced Kimanzi.
Touring Party
Goalkeepers): Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Farouk Shikalo (KCB), Sebastian Wekesa (K. Sharks).
Defenders: Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Hanif Wesonga (KCB), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Brian Okoth (Police), Abiud Omar (Police), Siraj Mohammed (BandarI), Rooney Onyango (Gor), Daniel Sakari (Police)
Midfielders: Michael Mutinda (KCB), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Brian Musa (Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Austine Odhiambo (Gor), Kenneth Muguna (Police), Ben Omondi (K. Homeboyz), Mohammed Bajaber (Nairobi City Stars), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars).
Forwards: Moses Shumah (K. Homeboyz), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Darius Msagha (Shaban), James Kinyanjui (KCB), Victor Omune (Leopards), Marvin Nabwire (Police)
Officials: Kimanzi (head coach), Zedekiah Otieno, John Kamau (assistant coaches), Arnold Origi (goalkeeper trainer), Mikael Igediah (fitness trainer), Wycliff Makanga (doctor), Noel Mandi (physiotherapist)
