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Firat handed first Harambee Stars call-ups to Australia-based Bruce Kamau, former Germany U-18 defender Tobias Knost and ex-Newcastle and England youth winger Adam Wilson last Monday.
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has hinted at adding one more undeclared player to his squad as he continues strengthening his Arsenal in time to face Burundi and Ivory Coast in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to be held in Malawi in June.
On Monday, Football Kenya Federation announced his provisional squad of players to join the camp in Nairobi before they fly out to Malawi for the tournament.
Unless otherwise stated, it is highly likely that the games will take place at the Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe, as Nairobi lacks any stadium that meets CAF and FIFA requirements to host international matches.
Having clarified that the likes of Michael Olunga, Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada and Daniel Anyembe will join up with the team later given they have club commitments in June, Firat has revealed the reason he handed call ups to Australia-based Bruce Kamau, Adam Wilson and Tobias Knost to the side.
“We have alot of players outside who have potential, which is why I convinced them to play for our team,” Firat said.
Bradford winger Adam Wilson, who came through Newcastle United’s academy and played for England at U-18 level, plays very similarly to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
He can hug the line from the right and cut in with the ball from that flank. He also has decent combination play, and can isolate his men on one on one, something Firat is looking forward to exploit.
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18:00 - 20.05.2024
Tobias Knost: Who is the former Germany U-18 defender that has been called up by Harambee Stars?
Who is Tobias Knost? The former Germany-U18 star that has been called up by Harambee Stars.
“Adam for example played for England u-18. He is a winger with very good dribbling capabilities.”
Tobias Knost, a Hamburger FC academy product who now plays for Veri FC in the 3.Bundesliga, was also called up, and Firat explained the reason why.
“Knost played for Germany U-18. He can play as a right winger, right back or center back.At his club, he plays as a right back. Bruce Kamau, you know about him in Australia.”
Firat has hinted at adding another undeclared player to the team, something he says will help strengthen the team’s quality.
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15:30 - 20.05.2024
Adam Wilson: Who is the English-born former Newcastle United winger called up by Harambee Stars?
Who is the little-known former Newcastle United forward that has been drafted into the Harambee Stars squad for their upcoming World Cup quailifying games against Burundi and Ivory Coast?
“I try to find these boys with potential. It is all about beefing up the quality of the team. Maybe we could have one more surprise.”
Several players are eligible to play for Kenya, including FC Koln’s Linton Maina, Monaco’s Elliot Matazo and Bristol City’s Zack Onyego Vyner.
He has already handed call ups and debuts to the likes of Norway-based Alfred Scriven, Viborg’s Anyembe and Orlando City’s Nabi Kibunguchy. Former Brighton striker Jonah Ayunga was also called up to the team.
Long term, it could help solve problematic positions in the team.
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07:00 - 21.05.2024
Late bloomer or timely addition: Does Bruce Kamau merit a spot in Harambee Stars?
After eight years, Bruce Kamau rejoins Harambee Stars despite poor form, stirring debate on his merits and selection criteria
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