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AFC Leopards midfielder and Kenyan International Victor Omune has shed light on the national team selection process for Harambee Stars.
National team selection criteria is a subject that often sparks debate and divides opinions across the board.
Some national team coaches prioritize players who fit their system, regardless of form, while others lean heavily on club performances to determine call-ups.
The Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars, is no stranger to such controversies, with selection decisions under both former head coach Engin Firat and recently appointed Benni McCarthy drawing scrutiny.
Firat’s selections were frequently criticized, particularly for the exclusion of the then red-hot Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala.
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06:20 - 28.03.2025
AFC Leopards legend picks side ahead of Mashemeji derby clash with Gor Mahia
The retired goal minder has explained why he does not want Gor Mahia to win the Mashemeji derby match against AFC Leopards.
His successor, Benni McCarthy, finds himself in a similar predicament just a month into his tenure.
The omission of standout performers such as Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo and FKF Premier League top scorer Ryan Ogam had previously raised questions on his selections.
However, coaches often have their reasons for player selection, as highlighted by AFC Leopards midfielder Victor Omune, who made his international debut under Firat.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Tiki Taka Show on YouTube, Omune shared insights into the selection process.
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21:38 - 27.03.2025
Tusker’s Congolese-born forward hints at possibility of playing for Harambee Stars
Tusker forward David Polepole is weighing up the possibility of playing for either DR Congo or Kenya after earning promotion to the senior side.
"The funny thing with football is that you can't satisfy everyone. Even for me as a player, the coach can't satisfy all the players in the team. That is why there are only 11 people on the pitch. All the others also want to play, so obviously, they’re not content, and neither are their fans and families," said Omune.
He added, "I think the coaches usually have their reasons, so I don’t dwell too much on that because that’s their job. Even I can be dropped and feel like I should have been selected, but at the end of the day, they make the decision. Nobody is ever happy with being dropped because everyone wants to wear the jersey. Even players in the lower divisions dream of playing for the national team."
Omune also recalled his first call-up under Firat, noting that the Turkish tactician made an effort to communicate his selection rationale.
"During his tenure, he used to reach out and offer to explain why some names weren’t selected."
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21:59 - 28.03.2025
5 Kenya-Eligible Footballers Who Played for Another Country
Over the years, many notable players have been eligible to play for Kenya's Harambee Stars and other nations as well, with some opting for the latter.
Despite Firat’s efforts, his time in charge was marked by inconsistency on the international stage.
Now, McCarthy hopes to bring stability and success, having started his tenure with a 3-3 draw against Gambia before falling to Gabon 2-1 during the March international break.
His squad selection has so far reflected a mix of local and international-based players, with the latter forming the majority.
With the debate over national team selection unlikely to fade anytime soon, fans and analysts will be keenly watching McCarthy’s next moves as he navigates the challenge of balancing form, tactical suitability, and squad harmony in his quest to restore Kenya’s footballing fortunes.
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