Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has come out to explain the late inclusion of David Cheche Ochieng and Musa Mohammed to the Harambee Stars provision squad that hit camp today to prepare for the remaining 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifying matches against Uganda and Rwanda.The two were not in the initial provisional list released by the tactician at the beginning of the month but have since been included and were in training with the rest of the players on Monday.Speaking in an open media session on Monday, the Turkish tactician explained the circumstances that led to the recall of the experienced duo after some time in the cold.Despite having featured full minutes for KAA Gent on Sunday evening, Firat said that Joseph Okumu would be missing the trip to Uganda and the game against Rwanda at Nyayo National Stadium with an injury, with the other options for the central positions in Joash Onyango and Brian Mandela passing the chance and opting to remain with their teams during the international break.2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣1️⃣ | That is the year Musa Mohamed made his senior debut and it was against South Africa 🇿🇦 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 | Congrats to those who got it right https://t.co/Yx6zx7xpru pic.twitter.com/MyNqE9JGZ2— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) June 7, 2020 In the absence of Okumu, Joash, and Mandela, Firat saw it fit to incorporate Cheche and Musa who have much international experience between them, with the former Moldova coach believing that they will give a good blend between the experience and young players.”We have to see how many players we have in some positions. Joseph Okumu got injured and cannot play these matches. Joash Onyango and Brian Mandela preferred to stay with their teams. That means three central defense players are out and I needed to source some experienced players and I wanted to give David and Musa a chance to show themselves because they have played many years in the national team and they are experienced players. Like I said, we also need to put a balance in the team we cannot play only these young players,” Firat said.In the last outing for the Simba SC defender was played out of position, being deployed as a right-back and failing terribly that he was withdrawn in the first half after just 30 minutes.Musa joined newcomers Kenya Police FC after parting ways with Zambian club Lusaka Dynamos and has helped galvanize the backline for the Police Men, earning the captaincy in the process.On his side, Cheche has had a good start with Posta Rangers after leaving Mathare United earlier, helping steer them to 8th on the log with 10 points from six games.CHECHE’S COMEBACKHarambee Stars Defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng’ scored his first goal of the season for his club New York Cosmos in a 4-4 draw against Jax Armanda in Hodges Stadium on Sunday 22/10/17. pic.twitter.com/HcpNRxPakq— Ministry Of Sports, Culture & Heritage (@moscakenya) October 23, 2017 Harambee Stars will play Uganda at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende on November 11, 2021, before hosting Rwanda four days later at the Nyayo National Stadium.
