Just when it looked done and dusted for Abud Omar and David Calabar Owino at Harambee Stars, newly installed head coach Engin Firat handed the duo a lifeline with a call-up.Calabar was last called into the Harambee Stars squad that faced Comoros in a back to back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in which he featured in both matches.Abud was last with Harambee Stars in the 2019 Egypt Africa Cup of Nations and had been overlooked by Francis Kimanzi, Jacob Ghost Mulee ever since.Coach Engin Firat has named the provisional squad for our upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Mali 🔗 https://t.co/mkVhMruYSg#Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/1ijttEyg2O— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 29, 2021 Speaking on the decision to include Abud Omar and David Owino, Firat revealed that age is not a factor when handing National Team call ups so long as the players are still of quality.“It’s all about quality and talent if someone has those this is the national team and I don’t care how old he is, he can be 17 or 35, it’s all about serving the country and if he has the qualities then it is not important in which team he is in or age,”“I know many people were surprised by Eric Zakayo but when I saw him I believed in him and I saw that he has a bright future and for sure he will have good moments in the national team,” said Firat.Happy Birthday, Abud Omar. To many more 👊👊 pic.twitter.com/JrxZEdUd8h— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 9, 2020 Calabar is yet to feature for his Zambian side Napsa Stars this season after suffering relegation from the Super League at the end of the last campaign.Abud enjoyed a fine season last campaign as he played a part in Ionikos promotion to the Greek Super League but has since moved to AE Larisa where he has featured once this season.Kenya faces Mali in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday 7 and Sunday 10 October.
