Kenya calls up two players for friendly soccer match

Kenya' s national football coach Stanley Okumbi on Monday invited Ismail Gonzalez and rising Australia A-League star Bruce Kamau to the East African nation.

The former was included in his preliminary squad of 29 friendly match against Sudan, and Tanzania at the end of the month. Discussions continue to convince the latter his international future lies with Kenya.

Gonzalez, born of a Spanish mother and a Kenyan father, has already agreed to the invitation and is expected to link up with the rest of the Stars squad, when the team assembles for camp.

Kamau, however, remains undecided since the Australia Socceroos have shown some interest in him and is reportedly weighing his options before making a decision after transferring from A-League giants, Adelaide United to Melbourne after the end of the season.

"I think it is important that we have a look at all players available, including the two," the national side' s first coach said.

"Talks with Gonzalez have been very positive, while Kamau is yet to make his decision as there is interest for his services elsewhere.

"But we are optimistic that we will have both of them available for selection in the upcoming friendlies," he added.

After losing star Liverpool forward, Divock Origi to Belgium, Kenya is keen to snap up the two youngsters as soon as possible.

Kamau and Gonzalez who are both 21 have not yet declared for the senior team in their adopted nations. Endit