Harambee Stars tactician Engin Firat has explained the exclusion of budding midfielder Timothy ‘Babu’ Ouma from the squad that has been in camp preparing for the upcoming international friendly against Iran.In November 2021, the then Nairobi City Stars player was named in Firat’s 27-man provisional squad that participated in the last two Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying games against Uganda and Rwanda, making it to the final squad eventually.He went on to make his debut in the one-all draw against Uganda at St Mary’s Kitende, coming on for Samuel Onyango in the 73rd minute. He also had another cameo appearance against Rwanda at Nyayo Stadium four days later.##NAJAVA_MECA_7125723##However, the youngster who has since joined Sweden’s IF Elfsborg was conspicuously missing on the roster this time around but Firat explained the reason on Saturday during the team’s open training session.”I called Timothy Ouma when he was 17 years and he moved to Sweden later. I did not invite him this time around because in Sweden teams are preparing for the start of the season and I want the boy to be with his team, to develop there and be near his team so that he can get more playing time and experience. It is my way of building for the future. We have to plan not only for today but also for the future,” Firat said.Masud Juma passes late fitness test as Firat names final Harambee Stars squad to face IranBenson Omala has been the topic on the streets of local football for the past two days since being dropped on Thursday, with many feeling that the Football Kenya Federation Premier League leading scorer should have had a place on the team.However, according to Firat and without being specific about Omala’s case, the young players should be given time to develop and should not be hurried into the national team.The Turkish went on to state that the door is open for the youthful players, more so with the team’s long-term projections in mind.Nairobi City Stars prodigy elated by maiden national team call up”The door is open for everyone, especially the young players. Give them time and do not be in a hurry. Being a top scorer in the league does not guarantee a player a spot in the national team. Last time some players seemed not confident enough but now everyone is showing that they are ready. Do not push the young guys, let them develop,” he added.The team is set to jet out for Iran at 1 AM on Sunday ahead of the friendly match set to be played in Tehran on Tuesday.
