Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje has been ruled out of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to injury while captain Michael Olunga is a big doubt for the game.According to head coach Engin Firat, the lanky defender is out of the two games after picking up an injury during a match with his Serbian club, FK Vojvodina. While his absence is unfortunate, it may not be a significant blow for the national team as he has rarely played, even when called up to the national fold.##NAJAVA_MECA_8305144##A bigger concern for the nation, however, is the status of captain Olunga, who is currently sidelined with an injury. The Al Duhail captain has missed the last two games at his club due to the injury, and Firat mentioned that there is a low chance he will play in the qualifiers. Olunga will undergo an MRI with the national team’s medical staff to determine the extent of the injury.”Collins Sichenje got injured in a match with his club and will not be available. Michael Olunga has a low chance, but he will come for an MRI. However, like I said, it’s a low chance. We’ve already lost many players, and we need to find solutions,” Firat said.The coach also disclosed that he had to shelve the idea of bringing in more players born outside the country but with Kenyan roots due to difficulties in acquiring Kenyan passports for them.”I wanted to invite two new players to the national team this September, but with Kenya, it’s not so simple with the passport issue, and I have no clue how it works,” he added.6 Tactical Trends From FKF Premier League Matchweek OneFirat mentioned that he had earmarked players in England, Australia, and Ireland for call-ups, but it became difficult as they could not easily obtain Kenyan passports. Although he did not disclose their identities, Mozzart Sport understands that the Ireland-based player is Wilson Waweru, who has been in great form in recent months.”We have a boy in Australia, another in England, and one in Ireland. These boys have Kenyan roots, but it’s not easy to get a Kenyan passport. I thought it would be simpler, but I’ve learned it’s not,” Firat added.Kenya will host Zimbabwe in Uganda on Friday before playing Namibia in South Africa four days later.Mara Sugar off FKF’s FIB naughty list after club licensing compliance
