Iranian-based Kenyan midfielder Anthony Akumu has challenged local players to take advantage of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) to get better clubs abroad.The Harambee Stars midfielder said the tournament provides the perfect opportunity for local players to completely change their lives.Patrick Matasi’s message of encouragement to AFC Leopards goalkeeper after weekend howlerGiving an example of himself, Akumu said he was scouted when Kenya hosted the Council for East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) senior challenge cup in 2013.“It was during that tournament that some scouts saw me and I moved to Sudan for my first professional contract outside Kenya.##NAJAVA_MECA_8641751##“Our local players have a chance to move abroad by doing well in the CHAN. They should not take the opportunity lightly because it has the potential to change their lives forever,” he said.Akumu played for Sudanese club Al Khartoum before moving to Zambian giants Zesco United. Homeboyz midfielder sets sights on CHAN after making Harambee Stars debutHe had a stint in Japan with Sagan Tosu then remained clubless for six months before his latest move to Iran.“The CHAN matches will be shown on television and there will also be a lot to scouts in Nairobi following the action. I urge any player who gets a chance to play even if it is just in one match to see it as a life-changing opportunity,” he urged.##NAJAVA_MECA_8641736##Akumu has also called for proper preparations for the team to ensure that they do not just compete but do well.“Obviously, for the team to do well, they must have good preparations. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) must ensure that the conditions are favourable for the team to perform well.Bob Munro: The man who fought match-fixing with a broken cameraThat means that they will need to start training early and play good build-up matches to make them ready,” he pointed out.He admitted that Harambee Stars face a tough task to get out of Group A playing against Morocco, Zambia, Angola and DR Congo.##NAJAVA_MECA_8641731##“When you look at the domestic leagues of Kenya’s opponents, they are more competitive. However, with proper preparations, Stars can do well and remain competitive in this group.”
