Firat drops Matasi
Veteran goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been dropped from the national senior men football team, Harambee Stars, ahead of a series of friendly matches to help head coach Engin Firat identify players for next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Kenya Police custodian is one of the notable absentees as the Turkish tactician named a 30-man provisional squad yesterday to prepare for a four nations tournament in Mauritius that will have the hosts, Kenya, Djibouti and Pakistan.
Matasi was faulted for conceding an easy goal against Iran during the team’s last international friendly build-up match in Tehran in March. Kenya was leading the duel before the easy goal allowed the hosts to come back in the game and eventually win 2-1.
Also dropped from the side are Kenya Police duo of Duke Abuya and Elvis ‘Machapo’ Rupia and Mamelodi Sundown’s Brian Mandela.
New faces in the team include Sofapaka’s custodian Simon Masaka, Bandari’s Mohamed Siraj, veteran Kakamega Homeboyz defender Robinson Kamura and his teammate forward Moses Shummah, Nzoia’s Joseph Mwangi, Kariobangi Shark’s Luke Otiala and Kenya Police trio of Alvin Mangeni, Cliffton Miheso and Charles Ouma.
The Four Nations Tournament is scheduled for June 11 to 18.
Bonface Omondi of Gor Mahia have made a return to the national team, adding valuable experience and depth to the squad.
The team kicks off residential training on Monday, June 5, and are set to depart for Mauritius on June 10.
