Kenya Police FC midfielder Marvin Nabwire has earned a late but well-deserved call-up to the Harambee Stars squad ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August.
The surprise inclusion comes after Nabwire’s standout performance in a friendly match on Tuesday, where he faced the national team as part of a select side of former Kariobangi Sharks players. The game, held at Kasarani Annex, featured an unconventional format of three halves, allowing the technical bench to assess various players in different conditions. The scores across the segments were 1-0, 0-0, and 0-2, highlighting the competitive edge both sides displayed.
Despite being on the opposing team, Nabwire caught the eye of the coaching staff with his exceptional midfield display. His ability to dictate the tempo, retain composure under pressure, and show vision in distributing the ball stood out in a high-intensity contest. These qualities demonstrated not only technical ability but also strong game intelligence traits crucial at the continental level.
The match saw Harambee Stars take an early lead through Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo in the first segment, while the second half ended goalless. However, the final part belonged to the Sharks alumni side, who mounted a spirited comeback courtesy of goals from Eli Asieche and Shaphan Siwa, sealing a 2-1 win. Despite the result, it was Nabwire’s individual brilliance that became the talking point of the day.
Recognizing his potential and current form, the technical team moved swiftly to draft Nabwire into the CHAN squad. The decision has been widely hailed as bold and progressive, reflecting a merit-based approach that rewards in-form local players regardless of prior call-up lists. This move also underscores the increasing depth and competitiveness within the Kenyan Premier League.
With CHAN being a tournament reserved exclusively for players featuring in domestic leagues, Nabwire’s inclusion is both timely and significant. It sends a strong message about the importance of local talent and the opportunities available to players who consistently perform at the highest level.
As Nabwire joins the Harambee Stars camp, focus now shifts to how quickly he can adapt to the national setup and whether he can translate his recent form into impactful performances on the continental stage. His late call-up not only boosts his career prospects but also adds an extra layer of intrigue to Kenya’s preparations for the tournament.
