Burundian international Fiston Abdoul Razak has initiated war of words heading to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to commence in November.With Kenya set to come up against Burundi in the qualifiers, Razak believes that Harambee Stars will get it rough in the hands of the Swallows who habour similar ambition to that of Harambee Stars as both teams will be seeking to qualify for the global showpiece for the first time.Kenya is placed in pool F of the qualifiers alongside Burundi, Seychelles, Gambia, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire.##NAJAVA_MECA_7403840##Razak who rejoined Sofapaka on Wednesday said their national team had come of age given the quality of the players who constitute the team and the level of leagues they play for.The forward who boasts years of experience in African football, said the global rankings will not influence anything on the pitch when the CECAFA nations battle in the World Cup qualifiers.Kimani ready to roll his sleeves as he takes over at Ulinzi StarsBurundi was ranked 140 in the latest FIFA rankings with Kenya placing 105.“Kenya will lose. This is not the Burundi national team you used to beat for fun. Long ago, we would be nervous when coming up against Kenya but we have since matured. We would even celebrate getting a draw against Kenya. We no longer fear anyone in the continent. We are a small country geographically but massive in terms of football. Kenya should prepare adequately for our encounter,” said the forward.The two countries would have locked horns in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers but Stars were locked out following the move by the world’s governing body to suspend Kenya over government interference.Razak, who was the second-best scorer in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers behind Percy Tau of South Africa tipped Burundi to punch an automatic ticket to the World Cup that has three host countries; USA, Canada and Mexico.Sofapaka seek winners touch in accomplished coach Francis HaringingoThe former Rayon Sports striker who netted six goals in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers said Burundi will settle for nothing less of a ticket to the global stage.“We can qualify, we have good and quality players. Most of them play in Europe. We are in a tough group but have learnt how to beat the big boys. The 2019 AFCON qualifiers is a classic example as we came up against Gabon and Mali and never lost a duel. I am sure, we have a chance to it again,” added the former Yanga man.
