Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has defended his decision to name more foreign-based players in his squad that will play Qatar and South Sudan during the upcoming Fifa international break.
The friendlies are part of Kenya’s preparations for the World Cup qualifiers that start in November. Harambee Stars are in Group F alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, Seychelles, Burundi, and Gambia. The winner of the group automatically qualifies for the 2026 World Cup in the US/Mexico/Canada.
“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,” said Firat, adding: “However, my initial consideration is always for all players, whether they are based inside or outside Kenya.”
Read Also: Matasi returns as Firat names Kenya squad to face Qatar
He continued: “I researched our rivals, for instance, Ivory Coast has invited 40 players this 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.”
The team is set to depart for Qatar on Wednesday, September 6, at 1 a.m. ahead of the first of the friendlies set to be played on Thursday, September 7, in Doha. Stars will fly back home on Friday, September 8, in time for their second friendly against South Sudan on September 12.
Provisional squad; Goalkeepers; Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Byrne Odhiambo (KCB), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police FC).
Defenders; Collins Sichenje (AIK, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Brian Mandela (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), David Ochieng (Kenya Police), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Clarke Oduor (England).
Midfielders; Richard Odada (AaB, Denmark), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Timothy Ouma (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Duke Abuya (Singida Fountain Gate, Tanzania), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City Football Club, China), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway), Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Stanley Wilson (Kariobangi Sharks).
Forwards; Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), and Masud Juma (Al Jabalain, Saudi Arabia).