Kenya’s Harambee Stars take on Ethiopia in Addis Ababa in a friendly international on Wednesday evening as they prepare for the start of the qualifiers for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Stars who played to a one all draw Tanzania last week in Dar- es-Salaam left the country on Monday night with a team vastly made up of local based players, some yet to be tested in national colours.
Impressive Mathare United goalkeeper Martin Musalia is one of the players expected to win his first cap in this friendly which coach Twahir Muhiddin has termed as very important.
“It’s important that we test new players because we are starting afresh. Every player in the local league has the potential of making it to the national team,” he said.
Muhiddin will however be without Gor aces Julius Owino, Kevin Omondi and George Odhiambo “Blackberry” and Mathare United defender Mulinge Ndeto who will be turning for their clubs this evening in the local league.
Given this match is not within the international calendar, Muhiddin will also be deprived of foreign based players Dennis Oliech of Auxerre in France and MacDonald Mariga of Italian champions Inter Milan.
Kenya plays away to Guinea Bissau in the opening day of the qualifiers. The group also has neighbours Uganda and Angola.

CAROL MUTHONDU