The Turkish head coach is set to leave out some big names for the Mauritius four nations tournament.
Kenya head coach Engin Firat has named his final squad set to take part in the Mauritius four nations tournament set to take place later this week, sources close to Pulse Sports Kenya have confirmed.
Among those set to be left out include high profile players like Genk’s Joseph Okumu, Kenneth Muguna of Azam and Saudi Arabia-based Masud Juma.
14:56 - 10.06.2023
FKFPL Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat on what Benson Omala must do to earn more caps
Firat urges Kenyan players like Benson Omala to embrace growth and ambition for national team success.
Gor Mahia duo of Alpha Onyango and Sylvester Owino have also been left out in the cold, while Kenya Police’s Alvin Mangeni and Simon Masaka of Sofapaka will also not be boarding the plane to Mauritius
Speaking to the press on Friday, Firat said that both Masud Juma and Joseph Okumu were doubtful due to injury.
"Masud Juma was here in treatment, but it doesn't look so good," Firat explained.
19:44 - 10.06.2023
FOOTBALL Explained: Why Michael Olunga cannot directly join Everton or any English Premier League side yet
The Kenya captain has been linked with a move to Everton, but may not meet the requirements needed to play in the Premier League.
On Okumu, he said, "Joseph (Okumu) is here, he made some sacrifices, but I don't know if he can play."
Simon Masaka had not been playing regularly for Sofapaka recently owing to an injury that had ruled him out since the begining of May. Although Benson Omala is set to be part of the squad, his Gor Mahia teammates Onyango and Owino are set to miss out, and the gaffer explained why.
“I told them, boys, you have to go to CAF competitions with Gor Mahia which is another level, show yourselves there so it has a positive impact directly on the national team because you bring the self-confidence and experience back to the national team which has a big impact on it.
“This is what I want to make the players have, to have more vision and not think about winning in Kenya alone. Not Gor Mahia alone, (but every club as well). Gor Mahia has a rich history. It won (the CAF Cup winners cup in 1987) before, but if Yanga can reach the final, we can also reach the final!”
07:30 - 11.06.2023
FOOTBALL Midfielder dubbed “the new Victor Wanyama” looking to establish himself for Harambee Stars
Odada has been a mainstay since Victor Wanyama's retirement from international football