The recent postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to August 2025 offers Harambee Stars valuable extra time for preparation. However, this delay also presents a new challenge: the risk of losing key players to foreign clubs before the tournament begins. With the FKF Premier League set to conclude in June, several top players are expected to secure moves abroad, potentially weakening Kenya’s squad for CHAN 2024. Below are seven Harambee Stars players who could miss the tournament due to impending transfers.
- Ryan Ogam
Ryan Ogam, the prolific striker from Tusker FC, has been one of the standout performers in the FKF Premier League, scoring 15 goals in 14 matches. His impressive form has attracted the attention of foreign clubs, with an Algerian team reportedly offering Ksh4 million for his services. While Ogam’s advisors have suggested waiting for more lucrative offers from Europe, the move to North Africa seems likely, which could rule him out of CHAN 2024. - Ronney Onyango
Gor Mahia winger Ronney Onyango has been involved in a transfer saga with Tanzanian club Singida Big Stars, who are demanding a refund of USD 40,000 after his failed move in November. Despite past transfer setbacks, Onyango remains a highly sought-after player, and a successful transfer abroad could prevent him from participating in CHAN 2024. - Sylvester Owino
Sylvester Owino, a reliable defender for both Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars, has established himself as a key player in the national team’s defense alongside Joseph Okumu. The 23-year-old has attracted interest from foreign clubs, and should he secure a move before August, Kenya would lose one of their most dependable defenders. - Andres Odhiambo
Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Andres Odhiambo has been earning rave reviews for his performances and was included in the CHAN squad last October. He recently signed with 11MAN Soccer Management, an agency known for facilitating European transfers, making a move to Europe, particularly to Sweden, a strong possibility before the tournament. - Austin Odhiambo
Austin Odhiambo, Gor Mahia’s talisman and reigning FKF Premier League MVP, was close to joining Belgian club KAA Gent, but the deal fell through in the off-season. Given his talent, another move abroad is highly probable at the end of the season, potentially ruling him out of CHAN 2024. - Humphrey Aroko
Another standout performer from Kariobangi Sharks, Humphrey Aroko, is reportedly being pursued by Swedish clubs. His excellent performances in the FKF Premier League and with the Kenya U-20 national team have made him an attractive target for European scouts. If the move materializes, Aroko will be unavailable for the August tournament. - Brian Michira
Shabana FC’s Brian Michira missed Harambee Stars’ trip to Zanzibar for the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup due to passport issues. However, his impressive form in the league, which includes 10 goals from the wing, has garnered interest from Tanzania’s KMC FC. If he follows former teammate Mathew Tegisi Momanyi to the Tanzanian Premier League, Kenya could lose another key attacking option.
While the postponement of CHAN 2024 gives Kenya additional preparation time, it also increases the likelihood of losing vital players to foreign leagues. As the FKF Premier League concludes in June, the national team may need to rebuild its squad if these transfers materialize. The coming months will be critical in determining how many of these stars remain available for selection in August.
