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The Harambee Stars coach has defended international player selection, citing rivals' foreign-based squads, rebuffing local player criticism.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has staunchly defended his player selection for the upcoming friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan.
The Irishman has faced backlash for not including local players from clubs like Gor Mahia, Tusker, and AFC Leopards in the national team roster.
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17:00 - 30.08.2023
FOOTBALL Gor Mahia legend expresses concern over Harambee Stars team selection
The legend has criticized Harambee Stars' squad selection, highlighting exclusion of top local clubs' players for upcoming matches.
However, the coach swiftly addressed the controversy by highlighting the rationale behind his selections.
"I have trouble understanding the criticisms made by others, and I wish they would comprehend my perspective. I've come across comments suggesting that I don't select locally based players. However, my initial consideration is always for all players, whether they are based inside or outside Kenya," he said.
"It's important to note that these so-called foreign -based players aren't born abroad; they originate from local clubs like Michael (Olunga), Marcello (Eric Ouma) from Gor Mahia or Collins (Sichenje) from AFC Leopards.”
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20:00 - 04.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Onana responds to Cameroon national team call up following suspension drama
The goalkeeper had a public fallout with manager Rigobert Song during 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Firat went on to provide a comprehensive comparison with other national teams' selections, shedding light on how the practice of prioritizing foreign-based players is not unique to Harambee Stars.
“To illustrate my point to someone who might not have much football knowledge, I researched our rivals. For instance, Ivory Coast has invited 40 players in a period of one year, all of whom are foreign-based. Similarly, Gabon extended invitations to 39 foreign-based players and just one local-based player. Gambia has invited 37 players, all from foreign clubs. In contrast, in June alone, we invited 16 local players from Kenya,” he noted.
"These facts highlight the comparison with our competitors. Given these facts, how can anyone question our commitment to involving local players?"
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18:40 - 04.09.2023
Down but not out: Beaten Olympic champion keeps focus on David Rudisha's 800m record after flopping in Budapest
He failed to reach the final of the men’s 800m at the just-concluded World Championships.
Despite the controversy surrounding his player choices, Firat remains dedicated to his role as head coach of Harambee Stars.
The upcoming friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan mark his ninth and tenth matches in charge of the team.
Kenya's national team, currently ranked 105th by FIFA, faces a formidable challenge against Qatar, ranked 59th, and South Sudan, ranked 167th.
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16:25 - 04.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Kenya amputee team makes striking entrance in Ghana for 2023 Africa Para Games
Kenya's amputee team readies for African Para Games in Ghana, overcoming past kit issues, aiming for improved performance.
Firat's provisional squad for these matches includes a mix of players plying their trade in foreign leagues as well as those from the local scene.
Kenya Police FC contributes significantly to the national team roster, with players like midfielder Kenneth Muguna, forward Elvis Rupia, custodian Patrick Matasi, and defenders David "Cheche" Ochieng and Aboud Omar all earning spots in the squad.
Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo from Kariobangi Sharks Stanley Wilson were late call ups to the squad
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16:00 - 04.09.2023
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars defender dazzles despite Viborg’s loss to Man United’s Champions League opponents
The former Denmark Under 21 international, who now represents Harambee Stars at senior level, looked solid although Viborg lost to the Champions League outfit on Sunday.
Kenya is set to kick off their journey in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with two challenging away matches. The team will face Gabon on November 13 and then travel to Seychelles on November 20.
Following these initial tests, Kenya will be gearing up to host their first home fixture in the qualifiers. This eagerly awaited match will take place in March 2024 against the Burundi national team.
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