Harambee Stars boss Engin Firat has identified a formula in three positions that will give them an edge ahead of games against Ivory Coast and Burundi.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has earmarked three vital positions that will hand them an advantage as they travel to Malawi for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Ivory Coast and Burundi.
Due to ongoing renovations of local stadia ahead of the joint hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Kenya will play these matches in Malawi, where the facilities meet international standards.
Firat has recently called up three new foreign-based dual-citizen players: Tobias Knost, Bruce Kamau, and Adam Wilson but the latter two were dropped.
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11:18 - 01.06.2024
Why Ayub Timbe has been left out of the Harambee Stars squad for Burundi & Ivory Coast matches
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has provided an update on why influential winger Ayub Timbe was left out of the final squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
London-born defender Zak Onyego Vyner who plies his trade at Bristol City was a surprise inclusion into the team that is scheduled to depart for Malawi.
Addressing the media, Firat explained his strategy for refining the squad, emphasizing the need to strengthen specific positions.
“I have to find more options in the offensive positions, left back as well as right back. If I can find these solutions, then everyone will have massive problems facing Kenya,” he stated.
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14:40 - 31.05.2024
Ex-Germany U-18 star Tobias Knost reveals targets following maiden Harambee Stars call-up
Knost, who played for Germany at U-18 level, has spoken for the first time since accepting a call-up to the Kenya National Football Team Harambee Stars.
The coach is focused on enhancing the team's overall quality, particularly targeting improvements in the left back, right back, and offensive positions.
“We try new players all the time. I have to try to build up a team, which is the focus. The real aim is to have a good squad for the 2027 AFCON here,” Firat explained.
Firat highlighted the increasing competitiveness within the squad, noting the challenge of narrowing down the list to 25 players.
“Our quality is getting better every camp, and the competition is getting stronger every camp. It is not easy to make a final list of 25 players to travel nowadays,” he said.
The coach also praised the impact of new and younger players. “This is done by new players who bring qualities that have been missing and especially the young players who bring a lot of enthusiasm and fighting spirit which we needed, so now, I have a lot of options, especially in midfield,” Firat added.
As the Harambee Stars gear up for their matches against Ivory Coast and Burundi, Firat's efforts to fine-tune the squad and address key areas of concern are expected to bolster the team's performance, enhancing their chances of success in the World Cup qualifiers.
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12:00 - 31.05.2024
Harambee Stars creative prospect reveals plans after recent run of starts for Ulinzi Stars
Maina, who was part of the Kenya U-18 side that reached the finals of the CECAFA U-18 Championships last December, has revealed his plans after enjoying a more prominent role at Ulinzi Stars recently.