Kenya's lead coach Benni McCarthy will have to reshuffle his provisional squad for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) following the abrupt departure of lethal striker Moses Shumah, who has moved to sign for Zambia Super League outfit Power Dynamos.
By putting pen to paper at Dynamos, Shumah, who completed the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League campaign as the top scorer with 17 goals, will not be eligible to represent Kenya as the tournament is exclusively for players featuring for their respective clubs in local leagues.
Dynamos, who won the Super League title and will represent Zambia in the CAF Champions League, confirmed the acquisition of the Kakamega Homeboyz striker in a statement on their official website.
“Power Dynamos is pleased to reveal five new acquisitions to reinforce its squad as it prepares for the 2025/26 MTN-sponsored Zambian Premier League (ZPL) season and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League,” read part of the statement.
“Among the new signings is Moses Shumah, the Kenyan Premier League’s top scorer with 17 goals in the just-terminated season from Kakamega Homeboyz.
His addition to the club is anticipated to bolster our attacking options.
‘Samuel Ayodeji Bamidele, a central defender, joins the Aba Yellow from Nigeria’s Shooting Stars SC, while Innocent Kashita, an attacking midfielder from Nkwazi FC, also joins the team.
Kashita was the runner-up in the Betway Player of the Season awards, narrowly missing out to Owen Tembo.
His creativity and vision on the field will be invaluable to our midfield.
”The statement concluded: “We also welcome Daniel Adoko, a midfielder from NAPSA Stars, and Ronnel Manyanga, a Zambian right winger who played in the Botswana Football League.
They hand over to the team a wealth of undergo and skill that will enhance our squad’s depth.
”Dynamos, who play their home games at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe, clinched the title after garnering 68 points from 34 matches.
Homeboyz confirm Shumah departureShumah is among the strikers, who were named by the South African coach for the eighth edition of the tournament to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Others contain; Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), and Beja Nyamawi (Bandari).
Osoro and Ogam netted 16 and 15 goals respectively this season.
Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula confirmed to Betopick the release of the player to join Dynamos despite having four years left on his contract.
“Dynamos showed interest in the player, they have been talking to us even when the league for last season was still going on, so immediately the league was done, they came support again and the offer they offered, we sensed we could not turn it down,” Shimanyula told Betopick.
“The player has already undergone a medical and been unveiled, but we are now waiting for Dynamos to pay what we supported in the contract before releasing him.
Of course, it will be a big strike for McCarthy because Shumah is that kind of striker, who can offer you goals.
“He has the ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations, and does not dread going into the opponent's danger zone, he assisted us to complete the season third on the table behind winners Kenya Police FC and Gor Mahia.
His goals were very vital for us, and he could have been the key player for McCarthy for the CHAN tournament, but the transfer was beyond us, because the player was also thrilled to put pen to paper.
”Shumah in previous Harambee Stars trainingFKF MediaHarambee Stars will play their Group A matches at Kasarani Stadium.
They have been drawn alongside Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia.
Kenya will play their opening fixture at 15:00 local time against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
After opening against DR Congo, Kenya’s second fixture will be against Angola on Tuesday, August 7th, before they confront Morocco on Sunday, August 10th and wind up their group fixtures against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Sunday, August 17th.
This will mark Kenya’s debut in the CHAN tournament.
While the country last contained in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, where the team exited at the group stage, this time Harambee Stars will be eager to make a deeper run, especially with the added motivation of playing on home soil.
The tournament will run from August 2 to August 30, 2025, and promises to be a thrilling celebration of local football talent across East Africa.
Dennis MabukaBetopick News
