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Firat has urged his players to use the CHAN qualifiers as a platform "to get into the A team" in future as they brace for South Sudan test.
Despite questioning the logic behind Kenya’s participation in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is focusing on the potential these games hold for developing his squad.
Though Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are already set to host the tournament, Firat has seized this unusual opportunity to experiment with new talent and evaluate players under competitive conditions.
“For me, this is an opportunity to see some new faces at this level,” Firat explained to Capital Sport, seeing value beyond the unconventional scheduling.
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13:35 - 25.10.2024
Engin Firat forced to make change in Harambee Stars squad for South Sudan game
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has been forced to adjust his squad for the 2024 CHAN qualifiers against South Sudan following the late withdrawal of a key midfielder.
"Some players here will use this chance to maybe get into the A team. These matches will also help us build a team for CHAN, but we still have a lot of time on us."
The coach aims to use the experience to shape a squad ready for next year’s tournament by assessing players who might secure a spot in Kenya’s main team.
Kenya’s first challenge comes against South Sudan, with Firat noting the challenges presented by limited preparation time. The team managed just two training sessions—one in Nairobi and the other in Juba the day before kickoff.
However, the coach is confident his players will make the best of the situation and bring a strong showing across both legs.
“It is difficult to play with no real aim because, for us, it feels like a friendly game, but for the rival, it is a qualification match, so they will come with more motivation and aggression,” Firat admitted.
Looking forward, Firat envisions these games as essential for preparing Kenya’s CHAN roster. Though unusual, the qualifiers offer a chance to put the squad under pressure while fine-tuning skills in real-time competition.
Should Harambee Stars overcome South Sudan, they will advance to face either Djibouti or Rwanda, giving Firat further room to develop the squad’s cohesion and resilience before CHAN unfolds on home soil.
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09:30 - 25.10.2024
Harambee Stars winger Adam Wilson shines as he helps TNS make UEFA Europa Conference League history
Harambee Stars winger Adam Wilson shines to help The New Saints make UEFA Europa Conference League history.
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