Engin Firat, the Harambee Stars coach, is expected to prioritize diaspora players in his strategy for the Kenyan national football team, as he embarks on his three-year contract. The coach reportedly holds the view that local players still have a long way to go in order to compete at the highest level.A Football Kenya Federation (FKF) official revealed that Firat has already identified five players of Kenyan descent, who have not previously played for the national team, to be part of the squad for two friendly matches against Burundi in March. Engin Firat to take home millions as Harambee Stars coach“Having worked with the team previously, his assessment is that Kenya needs to turn to its players in the diaspora because locally there is still a lot of work to be done,” the official said. “Firat believes there are many good players abroad who should be given a chance to represent the country if we want good results.”The coach’s preference for diaspora players reflects a broader trend in African football, as many national teams have sought to harness the talents of their citizens playing abroad, especially in Europe. The strategy has yielded mixed results, with some players adapting quickly to the international stage while others struggle to adjust to unfamiliar playing conditions and team dynamics.##NAJAVA_MECA_7041931##Harambee Stars have previously attempted to recruit foreign-based players, such as Richard Odada, who was called up in 2022 for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Firat’s selection of five new players for the Burundi friendlies suggests a more systematic approach to talent scouting and recruitment.Engin Firat lines up three friendly matches for Harambee StarsThe Harambee Stars coach is scheduled to arrive in Kenya early next month to take charge of the team, who will play their two friendly matches at home. The national team will have to wait until November to participate in competitive matches during the Council for East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Senior Challenge Cup.Harambee Stars’ return to the international football arena comes after a one-year ban by FIFA, the world governing body, which was lifted in November 2022. The Kenyan team will be eager to make up for lost time and demonstrate their potential under Firat’s leadership, as they aim to compete in major tournaments and enhance the country’s footballing reputation.
