Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has opened up on Moses Shumah’s move to Zambia, which locks him out of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsShumah was in the form of his life in the just concluded FKF Premier League season, netting 17 goals to win the Golden Boot as well as help his club Kakamega Homeboyz finish third in the league.McCarthy defends Harambee Stars squad selection ahead of CHANAs expected, Shumah’s prowess attracted the interest of several teams locally and abroad, with Zambian side Power Dynamos securing his signature.With CHAN a reserve of locally based players, the 22-year-old who had been named in McCarthy’s Harambee Stars provisional squad is now ineligible to feature in the tournament, but the South African tactician welcomed the move, outlining its importance to the national team.##NAJAVA_MECA_9012055##“It is a great opportunity for the player to move to a better league where he can go and develop his talent, come back to the national team when we prepare for World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 AFCON and help the team,” said McCarthy during a pre-CHAN press conference on Thursday, 10 June.The former Manchester United forwards’ coach, who disclosed not having discussed the move with Shumah, expressed his confidence in other players filling in the void left by the red-hot striker.Harambee Stars rise in latest FIFA rankings“I have not heard the opportunity to speak to Shumah yet, but it is because of the good work that he has done with his club and the two friendlies against Chad.It is fantastic when players excel and get the opportunity to play in bigger leagues. It brings success to the Kenya national team and opens the door for another young player to come and learn with the team and help us to move forward,” he added.##NAJAVA_MECA_9010959##Despite Shumah’s absence, the South African tactician will be pleased by the timely recovery and return of Ryan Wesley Ogam, who will now join Emmanuel Osoro as Kenya’s dependable strikers.Harambee Stars have already joined camp ahead of CHAN, which kicks off on Saturday, 2 August, with Kenya playing its first match on Sunday, 3 March against DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
