Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has issued a warning to players who are not willing to adhere to discipline and teamwork, stating that the team’s interests must always come first.Following a reported altercation within the team just before their departure to Lilongwe, Malawi, Eric Johanna and Abud Omar were purportedly removed from the squad for their involvement. Shariff Musa and Vincent Mahiga were subsequently drafted in to replace them.##NAJAVA_MECA_7975734##Speaking after his team’s 4-0 victory over Malawi in a Four Nation tournament semifinal match on Saturday, the coach elaborated that certain players were omitted from the squad due to their failure to demonstrate the necessary solidarity required within the team.”Some players were omitted because to be part of a team, one must embody the spirit of unity. When individuals prioritize personal interests over the team, I have no choice but to let them go, regardless of their stature,” remarked the coach.He emphasized the significance of unity for a team like Kenya, which may not possess the wealth of talent seen in former African champions like Senegal.”In football, as a coach, fostering unity is paramount. Unlike Senegal, where talent can be readily sourced from top European clubs, we face challenges in assembling our squad,” he added.Coach Matano claims credit for two of Harambee Stars’ semifinal heroesFirat acknowledged the difficulty of sourcing players for the national team, highlighting his efforts to scout talent from grassroots levels, even venturing into villages and high schools to unearth promising prospects.”For instance, I traverse various regions, including remote villages and schools, in search of talent. However, such endeavors come with inherent risks,” he explained.Looking ahead to the Four Nation Tournament final against Zimbabwe, Firat expressed that his primary focus is not on clinching the title but on nurturing the development of players, particularly those given their initial opportunities, such as Mahiga and Chris Erambo.”The trophy holds little significance for me; what truly matters is the progress of the players to whom I’ve extended opportunities,” he concluded.Owande eye silverware with Rising Stars
