Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has provided insight into his decision to recall Aboud Omar and forward Eric Johana Omondi to the national team. Despite their previous expulsion from the team due to an altercation during camp, Firat has opted to give them another opportunity.
Prior to their reinstatement, Firat temporarily replaced Omondi and Omar with Shariff Musa from Gor Mahia and Vincent Mahiga from AFC Leopards.
Musa, in particular, made a notable impact during his debut for the national team, contributing to their victory in the non-competitive Four Nations tournament held in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Firat expressed his belief in giving players a chance for redemption, emphasizing that Omar and Omondi now have an opportunity to prove themselves worthy of their places in the Harambee Stars squad.
“I was unhappy about their discipline. Nonetheless, they know how to conduct themselves on the national team.
“I won’t close the door. Now they can show that they deserve to be here,” Firat told the media
In his provisional squad, Firat summoned some new faces and players who have dual citizenship. Tobias Knost, a Hamburger FC academy product, is now featuring for Veri FC, as well as Adam Ayiro.
“We have a lot of players outside who have potential, which is why I convinced them to play for our team. Adam, for example, played for England U18. He is a winger with very good dribbling capabilities.”
“Knost played for Germany U18. He can play as a right winger, right-back, or center-back. At his club, he plays as a right-back. Bruce Kamau, you know about him in Australia.
“I try to find these boys with potential. It is all about beefing up the quality of the team. Maybe we could have one more surprise,” Firat defended his latest choices.
the provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Boniphas Munyasa (Muranga Seal), Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia)
Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), Alphonse Omija (Dhofar-Oman), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Brian Okoth (Kenya Police), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Tobias Knost (SV Verl, Germany)
Midfielders: John Ochieng (Zanaco, Zambia), Eric Johanna (UTA, Romania), Adam Wilson (Bradford City, England), Anthony Akumu (Unattached), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Sabail, Azeberijan), Duke Abuya (IHEFU, Tanzania), Bruce Kamau (Perth Glory, Australia)
Forwards: John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid SC, Egypt), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia), Elvis Rupia (IHEFU, Tanzania).
