)
Benson Omala's journey to international success faces challenges; coach Firat outlines key areas local players must improve.
Over the past many months, many football fans in Kenya have been left wondering why Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala, the FKF Premier League's leading scorer with seven goals, has been repeatedly excluded from the Harambee Stars squad.
The snubs have sparked complaints of 'favoritism' among some fans, but Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has shed light on his decision-making process and what local players like Omala need to do to reach the international level.
)
08:08 - 09.11.2023
FOOTBALL TBT: Mariga opens up on the behind the scenes intrigues of his failed Man City move & nearly missing out on Inter Milan
McDonald Mariga has revealed the intricate details of his £7 million transfer to Manchester City that fell through in 2010 and how its disappointment almost cost him a move to Inter Milan.
Firat has now addressed the concerns surrounding Omala's absence from the national team, emphasizing the challenges that local players face when transitioning to international football.
While Omala was called up for the Four Nations Tournament in June, he was notably missing from the squad announced for friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan in September.
)
08:41 - 09.11.2023
FOOTBALL Rising Starlets squad of 23 depart for Cameroon hamstrung by eight KCSE students
Kenyan Rising Starlets begin their journey to the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup, facing Cameroon in a crucial third-round qualifier.
Firat, who has been in charge of Harambee Stars in ten international matches explained his rationale.
"In June, he was with us, and he also got a chance to play against Mauritius. I have explained to all the local players who are coming into the national team that they need to adapt their style of play to the international level," he said during Arocho Live.
)
21:00 - 08.11.2023
FOOTBALL Sports CS Ababu Namwamba guarantees timely ready stadiums for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
Sports Cabinet Secretary Namwamba affirms Kenya's robust progress and readiness for the upcoming prestigious African football tournament, amidst regional collaborations.
"What is expected in this position and at this level for international football goes beyond what is typically seen in Kenya. In Kenya, you can become a superstar – and I'm not singling out Benson, but all players from the local league.
Firat continued to express that local players need to adapt their style of play to meet the demands of international football.
)
10:42 - 09.11.2023
FKFPL Beleaguered AFC Leopards set to miss five players in Posta Rangers clash
Ingwe face injury woes ahead of crucial clash with Posta Rangers, aiming to overcome setbacks and secure a vital win.
The Turkish gaffer emphasized that the expectations at this level go beyond what is typically seen in Kenya, where players can become superstars.
"For example, what I expect from a center-forward is that they learn to play even when they have a center defender on their back. They need to control the ball, make accurate passes, and have the ability to dribble. These are the skills I expect from them," he said.
)
17:26 - 07.11.2023
FOOTBALL Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left out as Gabon name squad to face Harambee Stars
Gabon have excluded star striker Aubameyang from World Cup qualifier squad.
Firat emphasized that his decisions were not specific to Omala but applied to all local players.
The former Moldova manager reminded fans that his primary goal is to build a team that can work together cohesively and achieve success collectively on the international stage.
"In reality, I have to build a team that can work together and succeed collectively," he concluded.
)
20:30 - 08.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Kenyan defender reveals why he has Arsenal great Thierry Henry’s famous 14 number tattooed on his arm
The Kenyan defender, who is Bristol City's reigning player of the season, has revealed why he has Thierry Henry's famous shirt number tattoed on his arm
Last season, Omala was the runner-up in the race for the FKF Premier League's top scorer, which was won by former Kenya Police FC striker Elvis Rupia, who netted an impressive 27 goals, narrowly beating the Gor Mahia talisman by a single goal.
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)