NAIROBI, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Beijing Renhe striker Ayub Timbe and Jesse Were have made a return to the Kenyan national team ahead of upcoming international friendlies.
The Harambee Stars have lined up two international friendly matches against Uganda on September 8 and Libya in October as part of their preparations for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
"I have to pick up and develop on the foundation of my predecessor Sebastian Migne. I have total belief in these players," said Kimanzi, who penned a two-year contract to coach Kenya for the third time.
Kimanzi's first duty will be the friendly tie against the Ugandan Cranes and he has included his former club striker Were in the provisional squad.
Were's exclusion from the Kenya team to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad generated intense debate with departed coach Migne being on the receiving end.
Kimanzi has stuck with the players who took part in the AFCON in Egypt with notable inclusions being Zambia-based Were and Moses Mudavadi.
Coach Kimanzi has also named 10 players in a reserves list who could be called upon in case of injury.
Kenya team:
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi, John Oyemba, Farouk Shikalo
Defenders: Joseph Okumu, Mike Kibwage, Joash Onyango, Benard Ochieng, Aboud Omar, Erick Ouma Nicholas Meja, Samuel Olwande
Midfielders: Victor Wanyama, Francis Kahata, Boniface Muchiri, Kenneth Muguna, Duke Abuya, Ismael Gonzales, Clifton Miheso, Johanna Omolo, Ayub Timbe, Cliff Nyakeya, Erick Johanna, Moses Mudavadi, Whyvone Isuza
Forwards: Michael Olunga, Jesse Were and John Avire
