Swaleh Pamba during a previus training sesion with Stars./HANDOUT
Harambee Stars have suffered a fresh setback just two days before their opening 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) fixture, with Bandari FC defender Swaleh Pamba ruled out due to a heart-related medical issue.
The defender joins Kenya Police FC midfielder Brian Musa, who was sidelined last week with a third-grade thigh injury sustained after returning from a training camp in Tanzania.
Head coach Benni McCarthy confirmed the double setback during the team’s final open media session held at Police Sacco Stadium on Wednesday, July 30.
“We’ve been unfortunate to lose two players who were very key in our plans,” said McCarthy.
“Brian Musa was expected to be in the starting eleven, so losing him is a huge blow. We now have to find a replacement.”
Swaleh's case, however, presents a different challenge.
According to McCarthy, the defender was found to have a chest issue during the team’s medical assessments. The technical bench is now seeking guidance from CAF on how to proceed.
“Swaleh was found to have an issue in the heart during our medicals, which is a major concern,” said the coach.
“We have to make the difficult decision of finding a replacement. We don’t want to risk his health.”
The pair’s absence comes on the heels of another notable exit from the squad—midfielder Mohammed Bajaber, who recently completed a move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC, rendering him ineligible for the tournament, which is limited to players based in their domestic leagues.
Sofapaka winger Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi, Shabana’s Brian Michira, and Tusker’s Chrispine Erambo have already been called up to replace Musa and Bajaber. However, it remains uncertain whether Pamba can be replaced, as the final squad submission deadline passed on July 23.
Despite the setbacks, McCarthy remains optimistic that the replacements will rise to the occasion.
“We believe in the players we have. Those who’ve been called upon will step up,” he said.
Harambee Stars will face Congo DRC in their opening Group Stage fixture on Sunday, August 4, at 3:00 PM at Kasarani Stadium.
CHAN 2024 Final Squad
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa.
Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu.
Midfielders: Chrispine Erambo, Brian Michira, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, and Marvin Nabwire.
Forwards: Edward Omondi, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch.
