Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat says the team stands to reap massive benefits following Anthony Akumu’s transfer to Iranian side Kheybar Khorramabad.The defensive midfielder joined the club last month on a year-long contract, marking his return to competitive club football after six months.Akumu had been a free agent since leaving Japanese side Sagan Tosu in December last year.Despite being unattached, Firat demonstrated faith in the experienced midfielder, fielding him regularly in friendly and competitive matches.##NAJAVA_MECA_8256633##His decision to give Akumu a chance at the expense of other players earned Firat criticism from football stakeholders, but credit goes to the player, as he has always delivered.Firat expects a more fit Akumu when the national team returns to action next month against Zimbabwe in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.FKF begins sixth CAF B course aiming to target high school teachersStars are placed in Group J of the qualifiers alongside; five-time champions Cameroon, Namibia, and the Warriors.“It is a good move for him. The past few months have not been easy for him to stay fit and focus without club football. Despite that, he has done a good job with the national team. He will be more match-fit going forward and will bring better performance for the national team,” remarked Firat.Commenting on the Persian Gulf Pro League, the Turkish coach said it was competitive and strong enough to shape the former Gor Mahia man into a better player.“It is a physical competition of strong and good players,” he added.Akumu is not new to international football, as he has previously played in Sudan, Zambia, South Africa, and Japan.Gor Mahia reveal who is eligible for share of prize moneyAfter parting ways with Gor in 2015, he signed for Al Khartoum, where he served for a year.He joined former Zambian champions Zesco United and remained in their books for four seasons.His next move saw him join South African giants Kaizer Chiefs whom he featured for two years.
