Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga is spearheading the task force that has been charged with identifying the next Harambee Stars head coach.The search follows Engin Firat’s resignation, which occurred shortly after the new FKF office took over.The federation has confirmed receiving multiple applications for the role and is keen on a rigorous selection process to find the best fit for the national team.##NAJAVA_MECA_8590764##FKF President Hussein Mohammed emphasized that the final decision will be collaborative, with input from various stakeholders.“A team, led by my deputy Mariga, is in charge of identifying the next Harambee Stars coach. It will look at all the applications before making a final decision. We have received several applications, but this is not a one-man show. It will be a collective decision,” said Mohammed during a press briefing on Saturday.Zico keen to skin Sharks alive, enhance chances of landing permanent employment at Gor MahiaWhen asked whether the federation is leaning towards hiring a local or foreign coach, Mohammed remained non-committal.“There have been a lot of questions on whether we should go for a local or foreign coach, but that is not the priority. What matters is selecting a candidate who is qualified and capable of withstanding scrutiny. This decision must be made carefully,” he explained, as quoted by Pulse Sports.Reports suggest that FKF may prefer a foreign coach with experience in African football and a willingness to work alongside local tacticians.AFC Leopards captain Clifton Miheso on how Kenyan football can developHowever, local contenders have not been sidelined. Among those vying for the role are Ken Odhiambo, who served as one of Firat’s assistants; former Harambee Stars captain and assistant coach Musa Otieno; and Ken Kenyatta, known for his stints with Ushuru and FC Talanta.##NAJAVA_MECA_8586952##Kenya U20 coach Salim Babu has also garnered support from sections of the football fraternity, with many considering him a strong candidate for the position.The Mariga-led task force faces a challenging but crucial responsibility as they assess candidates and narrow down their selection.
