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Harambee Stars face challenges as they prepare for upcoming AFCON qualifiers in Uganda and Johannesburg.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is an unhappy man as he steers his team through preparations for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Stars' readiness is under scrutiny as they face challenges both on and off the field compounding the pressure ahead of crucial matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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12:45 - 27.08.2024
Okumu, Odada, Olunga headline Engin Firat's Harambee Stars squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers
Engin Firat has named Harambee Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers excluding Ayub Timbe and Daniel Anyembe
The squad commenced their training last Friday at the Police Sacco Stadium, gearing up for their opening Group J clash on September 6.
However, with only fifteen players in attendance, Firat's frustrations over the logistical and financial shortcomings plaguing the team’s preparations are palpable.
“This was our first training session, but we should have started earlier. I had to personally call the players from home because I didn’t get the green light to begin training on Monday due to financial issues,” Firat disclosed as per Passion Sports.
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10:30 - 30.08.2024
Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma steers Elfsborg to Europa League group stages
Harambee Stars' Timothy Ouma led Elfsborg to the Europa League group stages with a decisive win in penalty shootouts.
The Turkish gaffer's concern is heightened by the fact that their opponents have had more robust preparations.
“I’ve been told the ministry has yet to release the funds, making it impossible to have the team in camp. Meanwhile, our opponents, Zimbabwe and Namibia, have been in camp and training for over a week. It’s really disappointing.
This situation underscores the need for a technical center for our national teams, so we don’t have to rely on government funds to start training," he added.
The financial woes come amid ongoing renovations at Kenya's primary stadiums—Nyayo and Kasarani Sports Complex. These upgrades, intended to prepare for the CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027, have forced the Harambee Stars to play their home games abroad.
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13:30 - 27.08.2024
Why Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is rooting for exporting more young Kenyan players abroad
Firat handed Ouma his debut at 17 when he was at Nairobi City Stars, and the talented youngster is now on the verge of helping Elfsborg qualify for the 2024/2025 Europa League group stage.
Sports permanent secretary Peter Tum had promised that Nyayo National Stadium would be ready to host both CAF continental and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Still, the reality sees Kenya hosting its African Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uganda on September 4.
The problem of inadequate facilities is not unique to Kenya, as over 25 African countries currently lack certified stadiums to host their CAF and FIFA matches.
Consequently, the Harambee Stars will play their third consecutive home match away from home.
Their recent encounters include a 1-1 draw with Burundi and a goalless match against reigning Afcon champions Ivory Coast, both held at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi this past June.
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