The experienced Bandari tactician nearly helped Kenya qualify for the 1990 World Cup as assistant to the then Harambee Stars head coach Mohammed Kheri
Veteran Bandari FC head coach Twahir Muhiddin believes that Harambee Stars are not ‘that badly off’ and can qualify for the 2026 World Cup ‘with the right support’.
Muhiddin, who has been part of the Harambee Stars set up both as head coach and assistant, recalls 1990 under the stewardship of Mohammed Kheri when Kenya ‘nearly reached the World Cup’ but were knocked out by Egypt, who went on to take part in Italia 90’.
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Africa was only allowed to take two teams to the World Cup back then, with Egypt and Cameroon being the only representatives from the continent.
A change in rules has since allowed Africa to have five representatives, and now in 2026, the continent will have nine nations. Muhiddin believes the increase in number will give Kenya a higher chance of qualifying.
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“In 1990 when I was Mohammed Kheri’s assistant, Egypt represented Africa at the World Cup in Italy,” Muhiddin said, “In those days, qualification systems in Africa featured home and away basis and knockouts,” he added.
“Egypt beat us in the semi-finals. They went on to beat I do not know which country (Algeria) to qualify for the tournament under a lot of difficulties.
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The tactician feels successive regimes at K’Ogalo have lacked a long-term vision, leading to the embarrassment of playing home ties in neighbouring country
“With the current format, we just have to work hard and get the proper infrastructure and support and we will make it. Gianni Infantino increased the number of participants to nine. We have every chance to make it.
“We are not that badly off as people purport. We can make it. I believe that is something we can do looking at this group.”
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Kenya are currently put in Group F alongside Ivory Coast, Gambia, Burundi, Seychelles and Gabon. They will have their work cut out to be able to qualify from that group.
Muhiddin added that Kenya qualifying for the World Cup would fulfill his dreams after over 45 years in the industry.
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“I have seen Kenya qualify for several AFCONs, but never the World Cup. It would be a dream to see Harambee Stars at the World Cup, which has been a big ambition since I launched my career.”