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Firat gave an example of Ayub Masika’s recent move to Azerbaijan side Sabali and Stanley Wilson’s ongoing trial in Sweden as potential door-openers for more Kenyan players to move there.
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat believes exposing Kenyan players to as many foreign nations as possible will open doors for Kenyan football after Stanley Wilson moved to Swedish outfit AIK for trials.
Pulse Sports approached Firat to offer his insight into how Wilson’s move was arranged, with the budding midfielder hoping to make a big enough impression to secure a permanent deal at the club.
Firat has tried giving Kenya as much exposure as possible both individually and collectively.
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14:05 - 16.01.2024
Daring to differ: How Engin Firat's votes defied norm at FIFA Awards
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat's unique FIFA award votes highlight diverse football talents diverging from mainstream choices.
It was his influence and connections that helped allow Kenya to take part in international friendlies against reputable countries such as Qatar, Japan, and Russia, and has also played a part in helping players like Timothy Ouma and now, Ayub Masika complete moves abroad.
“This is what I mean when I say we have to open up to the world. We have to have this situation in other countries too,” Firat said.
“For example, Ayub Masika is gone now to Azerbaijan. If he plays well there, then doors in that country will open for Kenyans.
“I hope this way we can open up to the club, not just by talking or writing that all players have super offers from different clubs.
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08:00 - 15.01.2024
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars: Ivory Coast’s AFCON opener gives Kenya plenty to ponder ahead of World Cup qualifier
Ivory Coast started their 2023 AFCON campaign with a win on Saturday and their display should give Kenya a lot to think about before they face off in the World Cup qualifier in June
“It is all about hard work to open to the world and to show yourself.”
Over the last one year, more Kenyan footballs have secured moves abroad even at underage level. Boy wonder Aldrine Kibet, as well as Kenya u18 captain Amos Wanjala and Alvin Kasavuli completed moves to Spain’s Nastic Acadamey, which will give them a chance to be scouted by clubs in the country.
Kibet has reportedly been scouted by Real Madrid since his move to Nastic, and there is optimism being in Spain will accelerate their development as well as make themselves available for other teams in the country to snap up.
During a visit to Qatar in 2023, Firat had stressed this when he visited the Qatari Football Association General Secretary / CEO Mansoor Al-Ansari accompanied by influential Harambee Stars Captain Michael Olunga.
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14:30 - 11.01.2024
FOOTBALL Kibwage sends message to Harambee Stars boss Engin Firat following remarkable return to form at Tusker
The Tusker vice captain is hoping to make a return to the Harambee Stars set up soon.
“Qatar is a country with great potential. They have invested a lot of resources in football. Over 55,000 Kenyans also work and live here. We are exploring partnerships with such countries so as to expose Kenyan football to the global scene,” said coach Firat on the sidelines of the meeting with the FKF media channel.
“Having talented players is not enough. We also need to create networks to ensure that these talented players are exposed to top-level football from a young age,” the coach added.
Follow our Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
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08:37 - 02.02.2024
FKFPL Kenya Police defend reason for hiking ticket prices ahead of Gor Mahia clash
Police have now defended the reason behind why they are selling just 500 tickets for shocking prices.
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