Kenya’s national football team coach Engin Firat is set to announce his final squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast later today and has hinted at some major surprises in his selection.
Firat is facing a number of challenges in assembling his squad, with key players like defender Joseph Okumu and forwards Ayub Timbe and Masud Juma unavailable. Despite these setbacks, the coach is confident that he has strong options available, particularly in midfield.
One player who is expected to make the final cut is German-based defender Tobias Knost, who has impressed the coaching staff with his versatility and athleticism. However, Firat has remained tight-lipped about the rest of the squad, emphasizing that there will be some unexpected selections.
The coach is also pleased with the new players who have been called up, praising their character, hunger, and determination. He believes they have integrated well with the existing squad and are building a strong team for the future.
Firat expressed his disappointment about the lack of suitable facilities in Kenya for the team’s training, but he is optimistic about their chances in Malawi, where they will play both their upcoming matches. Kenya recently won the Four Nations Tournament there, and Firat hopes to benefit from some familiar territory and potential support from the Malawian fans.
The Harambee Stars will depart Nairobi on Monday morning for their first match against Burundi in Lilongwe, Malawi on Friday. There is a lot of anticipation surrounding Firat’s squad selection, and fans will be eager to see who makes the cut for these crucial World Cup qualifiers.
