Odhiambo did not travel to Qatar but could still earn a debut cap in Stars’ next game against South Sudan in Nairobi on September 12.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has revealed why he snubbed Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo from the traveling squad to Doha for the side’s friendly match against the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts on Thursday.
Odhiambo was a late call-up to the side after Firat had initially named a preliminary 25-man squad for their international assignments against Qatar and South Sudan this September.
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Firat also called up Kariobangi Sharks’ Stanley Wilson, the 18-year-old prodigy who has enjoyed a fine start to life in the Kenyan top flight, having signed from National Super League (NSL) side Darajani Gogo.
However, both players were left out of the traveling party to Doha, where Kenya will play against Qatar in a friendly match on Thursday.
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The Turkish coach insists that Odhiambo has an ‘extreme talent’ but needs to start believing in himself more to start earning caps for Kenya.
“I am following up on Austin (Odhiambo). Austin has extreme talent but I try to push him to express himself more, to have more self-confidence,” Firat told members of the press on Monday.
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07:07 - 05.09.2023
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The Harambee Stars head coach defended his decision not to include players from AFC Leopards and Tusker in his latest squad.
“I think he is not near to the quality level he has. We will always have two or three new players but the main squad will be playing for the matches,” Firat added when questioned about whether more players would earn call-ups in the future.
Odhiambo had a stellar season for Gor Mahia last campaign, scoring seven league goals and contributing numerous assists as K’Ogalo stormed to their historic 20th league title last season.
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His club coach Johnathan McKinstry had also shared not too dissimilar sentiments on the former AFC Leopards midfielder back in June, saying he has to ‘believe in himself more’.
“I said last week (back in June 2023) in a one-on-one session with Odhiambo and told him he has the potential to be the best player in Kenya.”
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21:00 - 04.09.2023
Engin Firat defends his preference of foreign based players in Harambee Stars over local lads
The Harambee Stars coach has defended international player selection, citing rivals' foreign-based squads, rebuffing local player criticism.
“He only has to believe in himself more. He has that potential and he just has to work for it. You saw moments in the first half (against Ulinzi Stars) where he was exceptional.”
Odhiambo could still earn a debut cap in Stars’ next game against South Sudan in Nairobi on September 12.
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07:36 - 06.09.2023
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