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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.
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08:08 - 09.11.2023
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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.
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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.
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"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.
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10:42 - 09.11.2023
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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.
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17:26 - 07.11.2023
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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.
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20:30 - 08.11.2023
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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.
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