Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has hinted at major surprises as he prepares to name his final squad for the World Cup qualifiers in June against Burundi and Ivory Coast.He is grappling with the major problem in his backline in the absence of France-based centerback Joseph Okumu and left-back Erick “Marcelo” Ouma but that not withstanding, major competition for places in the team have forced him to rejig his squad.”The two (Okumu and Ouma) are key players for the team and their unavailability is a big hit for us. Masud Juma is also unvailable. These are players I cannot easily replace. We are also facing other problems with clubs and also injuries. Ayub Timbe for instance will also not be available,” Firat said during the team’s training session at the Police Sacco Stadium in South C, Nairobi.”We however have very good options in midfield and I am happy with that. The new players have also brought in competition and generally there is intense rivalry within the squad which is good. We have seen good hunger and commitment from the players in camp and the fighting spirit is impressive,” “Everybody, including the players, will be surprised when I name the final squad today. We have done everything professionally – We have the data, we have seen them in training and therefore we will include the best for the upcoming assignments,” he added.##NAJAVA_MECA_8136271##One new player who is expected to make the final squad is Germany-based defender Tobias Knost who has impressed the technical bench with his versatility and athleticism. Firat however remained tight-lipped, emphasising on the fact that there will be “major surprises” when he finally names the squad.He however has expressed his satisfaction the new call ups whom he says have shown character, hunger and determination.Offers aplenty for Omala after Mali sojourn”There have seamlessly fit in and the regular players have also helped them in that. We are like a family now and I dont think there have had any integration issues. What probably some of them may have faced is a higher tempo in training, different styles of play from what they are used to but in the long run we are building a good team for 2027 so in the long run they’ll be good.” He said.Firat also complained of the lack of home advantage for these two fixtures but said there will be in familiar territory as Kenya recently played and won the Four Nations Tournament over there.”I have been complaining of the lack of standard facilities in Kenya for while and I never understand why the focus is just on the main stadia – we dont even have good training pitches. However, we have a good working relationship with Malawi and their national team coach is also my friend so it was a good choice for us. We are hoping to have the Malawi fans support us.” He said.Harambee Stars leaves Nairobi on Monday morning ahead of the game against Burundi in Lilongwe, Malawi on Friday.
