Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has addressed concerns regarding the exclusion of Michael Olunga, Daniel Anyembe, and Richard Odada from the provisional squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite their absence from the initial list, Firat clarified that they have not been intentionally excluded from consideration.
The omission of these players, who have been instrumental for the national team, sparked surprise and concern within the soccer community. Firat emphasized the importance of providing clarity regarding the squad selection process when it was announced on May 20, 2024.
“What should have been clarified is that the squad that was released by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was a provisional one that should not have included foreign-based players.
“The position is that Olunga, Anyembe, and Odada are part of the team, but they will link up with us in Malawi since they are still engaged with their clubs and will not train with us at home before we leave,” Firat is quoted as saying by a local publication.
The absence of Olunga, Odada, and Anyembe, who have been pivotal in their roles, raised eyebrows when they were not included in the squad. Many questioned Firat’s decision regarding their exclusion.
However, the coach, known for his success in winning the Four Nations tournament in Malawi, assured that Olunga’s inclusion in the squad was never in doubt.
