Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat finds himself facing mounting difficulties as he prepares the Kenyan national football team for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. With critical matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia on the horizon, the team’s preparations have been marred by a series of financial and logistical setbacks, raising concerns about their readiness.
Training sessions commenced last Friday at the Police Sacco Stadium, with the Stars focusing on their first Group J match, scheduled for September 6. However, the turnout for the initial training session was less than ideal, with only fifteen players in attendance. This sparse turnout highlighted the challenges that have plagued the team’s preparations, leaving Firat visibly frustrated.
The Turkish coach, who took the reins of the Harambee Stars in 2021, did not mince words when discussing the difficulties his team is facing. “We should have been on the pitch days ago,” Firat expressed with evident frustration. “Unfortunately, due to financial challenges, I had to personally call the players to join the camp because we didn’t receive the necessary clearance to begin on time.” This delay, according to Firat, has severely hampered the team’s ability to adequately prepare for the crucial upcoming matches.
Adding to Firat’s concerns is the fact that their upcoming opponents, Zimbabwe and Namibia, have had far more comprehensive preparation periods. Both teams have been in camp for over a week, putting them at a distinct advantage over the Harambee Stars. “It’s disheartening to see that while we are still struggling with the basics, Zimbabwe and Namibia have been in camp for over a week,” Firat lamented. “These are crucial matches, and we need to be better prepared.”
The ongoing financial woes are not the only obstacles the Harambee Stars are facing. The team has also been forced to deal with inadequate training facilities. The renovations currently underway at Kenya’s key stadiums—Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani Sports Complex—have further complicated the situation. These upgrades, which are intended to prepare the venues for the CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027 tournaments, have left the Harambee Stars without a home ground for their qualifiers.
As a result, the team has been compelled to play their home matches abroad. The upcoming AFCON qualifier against Zimbabwe, scheduled for September 4, will be played in Uganda. This marks the third consecutive “home” match that the Harambee Stars have had to play outside of Kenya. The situation is far from ideal, and it highlights the broader challenges facing Kenyan football.
The lack of certified stadiums capable of hosting CAF and FIFA matches is a widespread issue across Africa, with over 25 countries currently grappling with similar challenges. However, for the Harambee Stars, this predicament is particularly troubling as it comes at a time when the team needs every advantage it can muster to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
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Despite assurances from sports officials that Nyayo National Stadium would be ready to host continental qualifiers, the reality on the ground has been starkly different. The delay in completing the renovations has forced the Harambee Stars to continue playing on foreign soil, adding to the team’s already significant logistical challenges.
Firat’s frustrations underscore the urgent need for improved infrastructure and consistent support for the national team. The coach has long advocated for the establishment of a dedicated technical center for the Harambee Stars, which would provide the team with a stable and reliable base for training and preparations. “This situation underscores the need for a technical center for our national teams, so we don’t have to rely on government funds to start training,” Firat emphasized.
As the Harambee Stars prepare for their AFCON qualifiers, the challenges they face are numerous and daunting. From financial constraints to inadequate facilities, the road ahead is fraught with difficulties. However, Firat remains committed to leading his team through these obstacles, with the ultimate goal of securing a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Harambee Stars’ recent performances, including a 1-1 draw with Burundi and a goalless match against reigning AFCON champions Ivory Coast, demonstrate that the team has the potential to compete at a high level. However, to achieve success in the upcoming qualifiers, they will need to overcome the significant challenges that have hindered their preparations.
As the September matches approach, the Harambee Stars will need to draw on their resilience and determination to navigate the obstacles ahead. With Firat at the helm, the team will continue to strive for excellence, even in the face of adversity, as they embark on their journey to the 2025 AFCON.
