Firat: Give me time to create shining Stars

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has asked football enthusiasts in the country to give him time to build a strong team in his quest to archive Kenya’s long-term ambition of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in the near future.

During a press conference yesterday in Nairobi, Firat who is believed to have been contracted for three years by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) took a jibe at some fans who he claimed want to see quick results without considering the current and perennial problems that the country has faced.

The Turkish tactician took time to remind the country of previous failures of national teams at various levels, both men and women in top competitions like the FIFA World and the Olympic Games that he noted was due to some challenges that are still there at the moment.

“Everybody talks about the results, this is our main problem. We are far away from the reality. We need to think and on focus on things like infrastructure and youth development. As we speak we don’t have a stadium to host our home international matches. Explain to me how we are better than other countries?

We like blaming everybody and nothing changes. We have to work together and find solutions to our problems. Give us time to build the team. I am ready to risk to get the best formation. We are ready for the changes and nothing else, attack me if you want during qualifiers but not this time,” Firat said.

Harambee Stars began residential training on Friday last week at Kasarani, with local based players making part of the exercise ahead of their highly rated friendly match against Iran scheduled for 28th Match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.

Coach Firat once again reiterated his long-term dream of seeing Harambee Stars feature at the FIFA World Cup.

He noted that his short-term target is to use the under -23 players that will make part of his squad that take part in the AFCON qualifiers.

Kenya’s opponent Iran have also hit camp in Tehran to prep for Russia and Kenya friendlies.

About the Iran friendly, Firat expressed his joy in facing the six-time world participants noting it will be a good opportunity for him and the technical bench to test player’s ability to play under pressure and the mentality of the team.

“Iran is one of the best teams in the world. I chose this game for the players to learn and it is not a match to expect results. I want to gauge my players on how they can handle pressure and mentality so that can be ready during important qualifiers. It is also an opportunity for our players to be scouted and get a chance to move abroad”.

Firat also defended his selection for the Iran game commenting that he is ready to be sacrificed for his decision in the process of building a team.He showered praise on 26 year-old forward Alfred scriven,saying that the FC Hodd striker has something unique to offer to the team.

Defender David ‘Cheche’ has expressed his delight with the return of Harambee Stars on in international stage after a 15 months hiatus due to FIFA suspension.

“It is a nice feeling to be back with the team.There is excitement in the camp from the players especially with the return of coach First.It is always satisfying for a player to feature for the national team.Playing club football and no national team duty is demoralizing and so we glad to be back.

Midfielder Kenneth Muguna who plys his trade in Tanzania with Azam FC was the first foreign based player to report to camp in Nairobi on Friday.

Captain Michael Olunga who netted two goals for Al Duhail on Saturday against Qatar Soccer Club in Qatar Stars League is among the other foreign based players expected to report to camp from today.

Meanwhile,Iran’s returning coach Amir Ghalonoei has named a strong squad that will be at home to face Russia and Kenya respectively.

Part of his contingent is FC Porto’s marksman Mehdi Taremi who has scored 13 goals with 6 assists this season in the Portuguese league.

Other notable players in Team Melli’s squad include speedy forward Sardar Azoum who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany as well Feyenoord creative midfielder Alizera Jahanbakhsh.

Iran will be without Brentford play-maker Saman Ghodos who withdrew from the team for the double national duties in Tehran.

Coach Ghalonoei will be keen to make amends on the Iranian team against Russia and Harambee Stars as they prepare to challenge for the Asian Cup next year in Qatar.

Harambee Stars is expected to jet out for Tehran for the Wednesday 28th March game that will be played at 7pm Kenyan time.