Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why he dropped six players from the Harambee Stars squad that is in camp.The Kenyan team is currently preparing for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that is set to take place from Saturday, 2 August to Saturday, 30 August.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsIn preparation for the championship, McCarthy called up a provisional squad of 31 players but he has since dropped six of them while two others; Emmanuel Osoro and Moses Shummah dropped out due to ineligibility.The six players, Ulinzi Stars duo of Yakeen Muteheli and Staphod Odhiambo, AFC Leopards’ Kelly Madada, Tusker custodian Brian Opondo, and Sofapaka youngster Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi, were dropped on Tuesday, 15 July, after a series of friendly games comprised of local players.Harambee Stars left back on career, had football been out of questionSpeaking to the media on Wednesday, 16 July, McCarthy explained why the six faced the chop.“I had to let go of some players that really worked well, but unfortunately, the squad had to have a certain number of players, and therefore I had to disappoint some players,” said McCarthy.Nevertheless, the 47-year-old tactician went ahead to express his confidence in the players’ ability and assured them of future call ups, should they impress him once again.##NAJAVA_MECA_9023478##“I wish the players well, and I hope they continue to work hard when they get back to their clubs and get themselves into these situations. We are one big family, and so they will always be part of this team, and the door is open for them if they maintain the same quality that they have had,” he added.Despite dropping the six, McCarthy also handed late call-ups to Bandari FC goalkeeper Byrne Omondi and Kenya Police midfielder Marvin Nabwire, who trained with the team for the first time on Wednesday, 16 July.Former Shabana forward regrets losing Osoro to ZambiaNabwire’s inclusion comes after he impressed for Team Sharks Family in their 2-1 victory in a friendly match against Harambee Stars on Tuesday,15 June.Nabwire is one of the players whose initial exclusion from the squad had caused uproar from fans.
