Hello and welcome to the official Harambee Stars press conference happening at Police Sacco Stadium this Wednesday, May 22.Speaking to the media will be head coach Engin Firat, as his team enters a crucial phase in terms of seeking qualification for the 2026 World Cup.Kenya is set to play Burundi and Ivory Coast on 7 and 11 June in Lilongwe, Malawi.A surprise here is striker John Avire who joins Firat on the ‘hot seat.'”Its a player’s dream to be in the national team”: Avire speaks of another moment being called up once more to the team.”It was a tough moment psychologically being out for so long but I am grateful that I was able to handle the adversity and now here again,” Avire adds on a question on his remarkable comeback to the national team.Avire, who marked his national team return in the Four Nations Tournament in March, was last called up to the squad in 2019, during the Africa Cup of Nations Tournament (AFCON).Positive mindset heading to WC Qualifiers “Ofcourse it was nice getting the two most important victories in the Four Nations Tournament when we won the cup,” Avire says of the team’s confidence levels.”Those wins gave us perspective not only for the players but for the technical team, was a really big boost for us and we hope to replicate the same mindset back again in Malawi.”Key role in leadership.Avire was among the senior players who led the team during the AFCON tournament in 2019.He says his role will be made easier as the team has gelled in the previous games when he was absent and they already know how to approach big games.That’s the end of Avire’s presser. He walks and the stage is set for Firat.Injury problems.Firat addresses the elephant in the room about players who were missing in the provisional squad.”The provisional squad list wasn’t final. We already sent some invites to clubs about some players we expect to join us in Malawi,” Firat says.Michael Olunga and Daniel Anyembe will join the team in Malawi.The only player who will miss is Jonah Ayunga, who recently sustained a knee injury with his side St. Mirren.Joseph Okumu is doubtful and expected to arrive to camp.Eric Ouma is already in the country and will face a late fitness test.Goalkeeping situation Firat says he had a meeting with the keepers and is viewing the unit as an “open competition.”My strengths vs their little weaknessFirat says there will be no defined plan in his two games against Burundi and Ivory Coast.Ivory Coast will play open unlike Burundi who play as a team, together and work on transitions.Ivory Coast will need more individual quality while Burundi will need a proper gameplan with some level of aggression.Why did the discussion start now?Firat is livid that there was no conversation pre-May about Harambee Stars playing away from home.”There was no logic in getting a preferable stadium”Firat says he and FKF thought of getting venues in Tanzania and Uganda, but they are in use, as their teams are also in action.Malawi has a positive impactFirat is thankful that FKF found Malawi as their avenue.He takes pride in the fact that his team won the Four Nations Tournament there and knows the ways around the stadium in Lilongwe.Don’t ask me, ask yourselves Firat is getting mad here. And for all the right reasons.Asked about the thought of Harambee Stars not playing infront of their fans he says:”I wish our players would play infront of our fans. And what makes me disappointed is that I have been asking about the state of our stadiums and I was told that I downgraded our league. I have asked this for the last one and a half years!””When I started here I asked the question on why our KPL teams have no stadiums. These are the mistakes that we keep on making and have made for the last 50 years. Why didn’t anyone ask that question?”Its giving me a headache Firat says that picking up his team is causing him lots of problems because he has so many players at his disposal.Ideally, Firat wants to travel with a maximum of 24 players. Nothing more.The stats are there to showFirat answers on Rooney Onyango’s selection. Rattles down his stats (of course he is ready with them) and gives justification for his call-up.Getting a baseFor emergencies, like in the last qualifiers, Firat wants to work with a squad of 35 players to be familiar in case the team is rocked with injuries.Firat thinks the team has gone ahead, got better to such an extent that he has to add more creativity.”Teams are now sitting back against us. That’s why I am adding more creativity,” Firat adds on the emergence of new players like Adam Wilson, Chris Erambo in his squad.Perfect professional A key strategic. So important for me.Those are the words that have been used to describe Teddy Akumu who remains clubless but keeps getting the call ups.He called me, I didn’t call himFirat says his team is now more like a family to the extent that Bruce Kamau, who is reported to have snubbed a call up for eight years, now took the initiative to ask for a call up.Ivory Coast will not go through easyFirat believes Harambee Stars will need luck for the World Cup Qualifiers.”Nothing is expected and who knows how example Ivory Coast play in Malawi. We could have a chance,” he says.Our level should be making AFCONAhead of a phase where Kenya will host an AFCON tournament in 2027, Firat says Kenya should now be focusing on making AFCON in 2025.”We’ve been making steps up the rankings and its something that we should make it regular. And then in 2027, have a good vibe infront of our fans.”All doors are openFirat says he has been observing standout players in the league and the room is open for them to come through.The players mentioned are John Mark Makwatta and goalkeeper Kevin OmondiFive months no pay!Firat laughs as he is asked about whether he is now getting his monthly allowances.”I told you its a sacrifice. Its only five months,” he says.I have time!And now, a moment for the media to get a fair share of slack.Don’t lie to the public. My door is always openFirat is mad about a group of journalists – two specific individuals – who he sets up their quotes and posts on social media.”I hope its not a problem for you guys but if you need anything from me, call me. Don’t go there writing things that aren’t verified.”We need to paint our players and staff in a positive light.”With his two-minute address to the fourth estate, Firat concludes the press conference.He atleast leaves with a smile as he is offered a present by one media member and instead opens a section of team training for the crew.That marks the end of an interesting presser but expected presser. Lots of talking points to discuss in the next days before the team jets out to Malawi.Thank you and eep it here for more updates!
