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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has emphasized the need for government support ahead of a crucial AFCON qualifier against Cameroon.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has issued a strong call for government support as his team prepares for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifier against Cameroon on October 7.
Firat, who is keen to maintain Kenya's top position in the group, emphasized the need for a chartered flight to avoid logistical challenges that could hinder his team’s performance.
Stars are set to face the five-time African champions in a high-stakes match following an impressive run in their last two qualifiers.
Firat’s side recorded a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Namibia and a goalless draw against Zimbabwe, earning them four points from two games and placing them at the summit of Group J.
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However, the Turkish gaffer insists that without a chartered plane for the trip to Cameroon, the team’s prospects could be jeopardized.
“It is crucial for us that the government helps us with a chartered flight or otherwise the players will be too tired to get any result or something from the game,” Firat said in an interview with Flashscore.
“I ask the Ministry of Sports to help us with a chartered flight for such games.”
The demand stems from concerns over travel complications, with Cameroon expected to host the match in a remote location away from its usual football hubs, Yaoundé or Douala.
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According to Firat, reaching the venue would be a logistical nightmare without direct flights, putting the players at risk of exhaustion before the crucial tie.
“We have this situation; Cameroon will not play in Yaoundé or Douala, so they will play somewhere inside (a remote area). It means there is no direct flight to enter,” Firat explained.
“If you don’t have any chartered flight, then it will be a big nightmare to arrive there, and will be another nightmare when trying to go back from there (after the game).”
The gaffer pointed out that national teams from other countries have received government assistance in securing chartered flights, making it easier for players to avoid long, tiring journeys.
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He urged Kenya's Ministry of Sports to follow suit and provide similar support to ensure the team arrives in top condition.
“Therefore, it is like in every other country when they ask the government, the government, of course, helps the national team with a chartered flight," Firat continued.
"Otherwise, like I said, you have no chance to play these matches under such situations. If you have to go, I don’t know, three stops before reaching your destination, and you have to wait I don’t know in every stop how many hours before proceeding with the journey, it will be a difficult situation for my players and that is for sure.”
Firat’s concerns are not without precedent as the last time Harambee Stars used a chartered flight was during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in 2015, but the journey proved to be far from smooth.
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The draining 22-hour trip to Cape Verde, which involved multiple refueling stops in Uganda, Nigeria, and Senegal, left the team exhausted and they ultimately lost the fixture 2-0, ending their World Cup qualification hopes.
The match in Cameroon will be pivotal for Harambee Stars as they aim to secure their qualification for Afcon 2025.
A victory or even a draw would keep Kenya in control of Group J with Firat’s side sitting one point ahead of their Cameroonian counterparts.
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