The Sofapaka striker has warned Harambee Stars to be ready for a tough task when they face Burundi in the World Cup qualifiers.
Burundi international striker Fiston Abdul Razak is confident that the side will upset Kenya at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled to start in November this year.
Burundi were placed in Group F, alongside Kenya, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Gambia and Seychelles, and the winning team will qualify for the World’s biggest competition in three years’ time
Razak was part of the team which represented Burundi at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations , having done well in their qualification group, upsetting the likes of Mali and Gabon to clinch a ticket for that tournament.
The former Sundowns striker believes that Burundi have what it takes to upset every team, including Kenya.
09:00 - 04.08.2023
Heeding God's call: Burundi striker Fiston Razak reveals why he returned to Sofapaka
The 49-cap Burundi international enabled Batoto ba Mungu to pocket a cool 37 million shillings when he left for Sundowns, strengthening the club financially.
“Burundi can qualify because we have many good young players who play professionally abroad,” Razak said.
“For me personally, a time came where I had to stop. I have not taken part in the past few matches but like I said, we have good players full of quality. There are some who have even played in the English Premier League for Stoke City, the likes of Sadio Berahino, the likes of Gael Bigirimana.
“We have a lot of players. We have a player who is currently playing in France, so I believe that we can do it unless God decides that we are not lucky. In terms of talent, we have enough to get us over the line.
“When we were qualifying for the 2019 AFCON, we played six matches and did not lose a single match. We were in the same group as Mali and Gabon. Everyone was saying Gabon and Mali were the ones who would make it automatically.
18:12 - 04.08.2023
FOOTBALL Sofapaka's Sporting Director David Ouma pledges women's side ahead of 2023/2024 season
Ouma sets ambitious goals for 2023/2024 season, targets CAF Champions League and promises women's team to comply with CAF regulations.
“They wrote off Burundi. We did not lose a single match and we made the tournament, and I was among the top scorers.”
Razak believes Kenya will “go to sleep” when both sides face each other off both at home and away over the duration of the tournament.
“You guys will go to sleep.I am telling you the truth. This Burundi is not like the one from back then. Back then, getting a draw against Kenya was worthy of celebration.
“Now when we play Gabon and Mali, even Senegal, we do not fear anymore. Our country may be small, but our football is making strides and we have played at high levels. Kenya should be ready!”
Razak returned to Sofapaka on a one-year contract after eight years.
09:30 - 05.08.2023
FKFPL Sofapaka president reveals clever strategy to avert future contractual disputes
Batoto Ba Mungu have previously found themselves in legal battles with ex-players and the club president is keen to avoid it in future