Sylvester Owino believes CHAN 2024 is a golden opportunity for Kenyan-based players to attract overseas interest, with scouts expected to closely follow talents like Austin Odhiambo and Mohammed Bajaber.
Gor Mahia's defensive anchor Sylvester Owino believes the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August, could open crucial doors for local-based players.
Speaking to Pulse Sports, as Harambee Stars began preparations for CHAN in the course of the week, the experienced centre-back emphasized the magnitude of the tournament for homegrown talents seeking international exposure.
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"As a nation, it's a very good opportunity for those players in local leagues to showcase what they are capable of to the rest of the world," Owino remarked, highlighting how CHAN exclusively features players who ply their trade in domestic leagues.
Owino is part of the 30-man provisional Harambee Stars squad named by head coach Benni McCarthy for the prestigious continental event.
He joins familiar faces from Gor Mahia, including fellow defender Alphonce Omija, midfielders Austin Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango, and Ben Stanley Omondi.
Among them, Odhiambo will likely draw the most attention, having been heavily linked to Belgian top-tier side KAA Gent last summer.
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Owino stressed the potential long-term impact of a strong CHAN performance on players' careers.
"It will be a very good outcome if after the competition some players get moves abroad to further their careers," he said, expressing hope that the tournament can act as a springboard.
Beyond the Gor Mahia contingent, several other Kenyan stars are expected to draw scout attention.
Kenya Police FC midfielder Mohammed Bajaber has been on a meteoric rise since impressing in the March 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
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His performances have reportedly caught the eye of Tanzanian powerhouses Simba SC and Azam FC.
Unfortunately, FKF Premier League top scorer Moses Shumah, who was initially named in the provisional squad, will not be eligible to feature at CHAN 2024 following a move to Zambian club Dynamos.
His transfer underscores the kind of talent on offer and the growing appetite for Kenyan players in regional and international markets.