Kenya’s footballing ties with Qatar look to be well on course, following Football Kenya President Hussein Mohamed’s visit to the Qatari Embassy on Wednesday 29 January.Mohamed, flanked by Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, was received by the Ambassador of Kenya to Qatar H.E. Mohammed Noor Aden, where areas of football collaboration between the two countries were discussed.Amb. Mohamed Nur received the President of Football Kenya Federation,Mr. Hussein Mohamed, at the Chancery. In the spirit of strengthening Kenya-Qatar sports diplomacy, they explored areas of collaboration in football, given the remarkable strides made by our nations in the sport pic.twitter.com/UjB5zKxCTH— Embassy of Kenya, Doha (@KenyaDoha) January 29, 2025 The meeting keeps up with an already-existing sporting relationship between the two nations, most notably seen in September 2023, when Kenya’s men’s national football team – Harambee Stars – played Qatar in a friendly match at Al Wakrah Sports Complex Stadium in Doha.Prior to that fixture – which Kenya won 2-1 – former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat and Olunga in May paid a visit to the Qatar Football Association General Secretary Mansoor Al-Ansari, where they emphasized on partnerships geared towards giving local Kenyan players an opportunity to showcase their talents internationally.QATAR- Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat says there’s need to explore strategic partnerships with Federations of developed countries in a bid to expose Kenyan players to top-level football.Olunga and Firat paid a courtesy call to Qatari Football SG/CEO Mansoor Al-Ansari. pic.twitter.com/aVPPLhF8lN— Eric Njiru ⚽️ (@EricNjiiru) May 11, 2023 While much detail was not shared then, Wednesday’s recent visit to the Chancery came with more insight, especially as Kenya prepares to co-host two major continental championships in 2025 and 2027.A statement from the Embassy of Kenya, Doha read: “Given the remarkable strides made by our nations in the sport, Kenya is keen to foster deeper cooperation in football development, including infrastructure, talent scouting, nurturing, and sports tourism, drawing valuable lessons from Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as Kenya prepares to co-host CHAN 2025 and AFCON2027.”Olunga reveals role in securing Kenya friendly against QatarOlunga’s presence in the meeting, as in 2023, continues to show his growing influence as an ambassador of the Kenyan game in Qatar, and comes at a time when the 30-year-old is the outright top goal scorer for top-flight side Al Duhail, and recently led the team to another domestic cup title.“Olunga’s record-breaking success stands as a testament to the strong sporting ties between Kenya and Qatar, and inspiring the next generation of footballers,” the Embassy noted.##NAJAVA_MECA_8667411##
