Homeboyz defender elated by national team summon

Kakamega Homeboyz defender Sylvester Owino has expressed his delight at earning a call-up to the national U23 team, the Emerging Stars. The team will play at the Cecafa U23 Championship in Ethiopia next month.

The central defender has been one of the impressive new, young players in the league and for Homeboyz, he has played in each and every league game this campaign and contributed three goals in the process.

His good run with the club has earned him a call-up to the national team and the Kiumu-born defender is living his dream.

“I am excited, I am happy because I have been dreaming of such a moment and I am finally living my dream. This is a great opportunity and I am definitely going to give my best so that I can cement my place in the team," he told Mozzart Sport.

Despite being named in the preliminary team, Owino is already looking forward and hopes to make the cut as he intends to impress in the tournament.

"I am definitely looking forward to the tournament if I am selected in the final squad. It will be my first tournament outside the country and I definitely want to grab the chance and show the country, and continent in general what I can do,” he added.

In an earlier interview, Homeboyz coach Nicholas Muyoti backed the player to play for the national team. He believes that he has what it takes to be a key Stars’ player.

"He has been one of our best players and he deserves a chance to play for Harambee Stars. He has been very consistent, has played in each and every game this season and for a young player, it says a lot about him. This is a player who I believe with a little guidance will be an asset for the national team,” Muyoti told Mozzart Sport.

The Emerging Stars are set to hit camp in readiness for the tournament.

Emerging Stars Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), Caleb Otieno (Gor Mahia), Dolph Junior Owino (Nairobi Stima)

Defenders

Jimmy Ndungi (Tusker), Portipher Odhiambo (Vihiga Bullets), Silvester Owino (Kakamega Homeboyz), Moses Mudavadi (Nzoia), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards), Boniface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Yussuf Mainge (AFC Leopards), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Wepo (KCB)

Midfielders

Joshua Nyatini (Posta Rangers), Marvin Nabwire (AFC Leopards), Sven Yidah (Nairobi City Stars), Vincent Wasambo (KCB), Faraj Ominde (Tusker), Reagan Otieno (KCB), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Peter Thiong’o (AFC Leopards), Francis Mwangi (Mwatate United), Ambrose Sifuna (Sofapaka), Josephat Lopaga (Posta Rangers), Steiner Musasia (Posta Rangers), John Njuguna (Ulinzi Stars), Dennis Musamali (Nzoia Sugar), Elisha Wekesa (Nzoia Sugar)

Forwards

Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Henry Meja (Tusker), Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), Ken Wanyonyi (Bungoma Superstars), Alfred Tanui (Kisumu All-Stars)