REAL MONARCHS SLC DEFENDER JOSEPH STANLEY OKUMU NAMED TO KENYA ROSTER FOR 2019 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS
Okumu Becomes First Player in RSL, Real Monarchs SLC History Named to a Final AFCON Roster
HERRIMAN, Utah – (Thursday, June 13, 2019) – Real Monarchs SLC defender Joseph Stanley Okumu was named to the Kenyan National Team’s final roster by Head Coach Sébastien Migné ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Kenya were drawn in Group C for this year’s AFCON tournament alongside Algeria, Senegal and Tanzania. They will kick-off on June 23 against Algeria in the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
“Congratulations to Stanley. This is a tremendous accomplishment for him in his young career,” Real Monarchs General Manager Dan Egner said. “His selection for the final AFCON roster for Kenya is a testament to the hard work he has put in over the last year. Getting to represent your country at a major tournament is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we couldn’t be happier for Stan. Everyone at the club is excited to watch him take the field in Egypt.”
The Monarchs acquired Okumu, 22, in 2018 after he spent the 2018 season with National Premier Soccer league side AFC Ann Arbor where he helped his side to a second consecutive Great Lakes Conference Championship before leading his team to the 2018 NPSL National Semifinal. In 11 matches played for the Monarchs, Okumu has registered 717 minutes.
Okumu has previously spent time with the Kenyan U-21, 23 and Senior team contingents since 2016. Okumu’s impressive resumé includes a 2018 NPSL National XI selection, 2018 Great Lakes Conference Best XI before being selected as the TopDrawer Soccer Player of the Year in 2018.
The full Kenya squad for the 2019 AFCON is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (St. George, Ethiopia), Faruk Shikalo (Bandari FC), John Oyemba.
Defenders: David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), Musa Mohammed (Nkana FC, Zambia), Bernard Ochieng (Vihiga United) Joseph Okumu (Real Monarchs SLC, USA), Joash Onyango, Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Eric Ouma (Vassalund, Sweden), Aboud Omar (Sepsi OSK, Romania).
Midfielders: Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Ismail Gonzalez (UCD Las Palmas, Spain), Dennis Omino (Sofapaka FC), Eric Johannah (IF Bromma, Sweden), Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Paul Were (AFC Leopards, ), Johannah Omolo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium).
Forwards: Ovela Ochieng (Vassalund, Sweden), Ayub Timbe (Beijing Renhe, China), Michael Olunga (Kashiwa reysol, Japan), John Avire (Sofapaka, Kenya), Masud Juma (Al Nasr, Libya).
Real Monarchs SLC return to action on Saturday, June 22 when it visits Weidner Field to face Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kick off on June 22 is set for 7:00p MT. The Monarchs are back at Zions Bank Stadium on Saturday July 6 when it hosts New Mexico United at 8:00p MT. Tickets are available by visiting RealMonarchs.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX.
