Harambee Stars legend dismisses biased squad selection myth amid William Lenkupae & Mo Bajaber’s rise

Mohammed Bajaber (L) and William Lenkupae (R). Photo || FKF

Harambee Stars legend dismisses biased squad selection myth amid William Lenkupae & Mo Bajaber’s rise

Mark Kinyanjui 17:55 - 25.03.2025

Harambee Stars legend Simeon Mulama has weighed in on disgruntled comments by football fans over an alleged bias approach to selecting the team.

Former Harambee Stars midfielder Simeon Mulama has weighed in on the long-standing debate surrounding tribal bias in national team selection, asserting that meritocracy remains the key determinant.

Mulama’s remarks come in light of the remarkable breakthroughs of William Lenkupae and Mohammed Bajaber, two rising stars from communities historically underrepresented in Kenyan football.

Mohammed Bajaber, a Kenya Police FC midfielder, announced himself on the international stage during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 

Introduced as a substitute, he scored a stunning goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia, igniting Kenya’s comeback. His outstanding performance earned him a starting spot against Gabon, where he continued to impress despite the team’s narrow 2-1 loss.

Similarly, William Lenkupae, an Australian-born midfielder with Kenyan roots, made a dream debut for Harambee Stars by scoring a dramatic last-minute equalizer against Gambia. 

The Central Coast Mariners player brought his international experience to the squad, showcasing his versatility and resilience. His impactful debut has generated excitement among fans, positioning him as a crucial asset for future campaigns.

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With both Bajaber and Lenkupae coming from the Somali and Samburu communities, respectively, their inclusion in the national team has reignited discussions about regional balance in player selection. 

However, Mulama was quick to dismiss the notion that tribal affiliations play a role in squad selection.

“We look at merit and ability. Leave regional balance to politics. This is football played in daylight, and if you have the ability, you get the opportunity,” Mulama told Habari 254 News.

He pointed to historical and current examples of players who have earned their spots purely on performance, such as goalkeepers Patrick Matasi and Ian Otieno, both of whom have had significant stints as Harambee Stars’ first-choice keepers.

“This is not about politics but football,” he emphasised.

Mulama further argued that the appointment of a foreign coach, such as South African tactician Benni McCarthy, reinforces the fact that player selection is based on talent and not tribal affiliations.

“The coach is not Kenyan. He is South African. If regional balance mattered, we would be playing South African players. Right now, if you’re a youngster with the opportunity to showcase your talent, I am sure meritocracy will count. It is only fair.

“A coach would not put aside a player because he comes from a certain tribe. If a coach’s selections are right, he will also benefit.”

While dismissing the notion of tribal bias in selection, Mulama urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) under Hussein Mohammed’s leadership to establish structures that identify and nurture talent in regions that have historically been overlooked.

“If there is a region that may have been neglected, it is only fair that resources are allocated to unearth that gem and bring him into the fold.”

As Kenya continues its push for a spot at the 2026 World Cup, the emergence of Lenkupae and Bajaber underscores the importance of scouting talent from all corners of the country, reinforcing the notion that ability, not background, is the true criterion for national team selection.

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