Firat: Why Kenya should develop close ties with Qatar

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FOOTBALL Firat: Why Kenya should develop close ties with Qatar

Kiplagat Sang • 16:30 - 11.05.2023

The tactician made a visit to the Middle East nation, where he also met Michael Olunga.

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has stressed the need for Kenya to establish strategic partnerships with federations of developed countries.

Firat made the statement when he visited Qatari Football Association General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mansoor Al-Ansari.

Qatar is fast developing into a football nation, especially after hosting the last FIFA World Cup finals. They are also attracting top talents from across the globe to join clubs in the country.

"Qatar is a country with great potential. They have invested a lot of resources in football. Over 55,000 Kenyans also work and live here," said Firat.

"We are exploring partnerships with such countries so as to expose Kenyan football to the global scene."

"Having talented players is not enough. We also need to create networks to ensure that these talented players are exposed to top-level football from a young age," the coach added.

The tactician was accompanied by Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, who plays for the country’s league champions, Al Duhail SC.

Apart from winning the league title, Olunga won the Golden Boot for the second time in a row when he finished the season with 22 goals.

In March, Firat explained the need for Kenya to play high-level friendlies in order to become a competitive side.

In the same month, he led Kenya in a match against Iran, which they lost in Tehran. Olunga captained the side as they engaged in their first international assignment after a FIFA suspension was lifted.

During the upcoming international breaks, Kenya is expected to have more friendlies as they prepare to re-enter the international stage and compete for CECAFA, CAF, and FIFA competitions.

The next international breaks are set for June, September, October, and November.