Harambee Stars will play Iran in a friendly international match.
The Harambee Stars will face Iran in an international friendly on March 28, revealed Barry Otieno, the chief executive officer of the Football Kenya Federation.
Stars will travel to Iran for the encounter, marking their return to international competition after Fifa’s ban in February of last year.
Otieno urged Kenyans to celebrate the national team’s return after a year’s absence, saying that the upcoming friendly will be the perfect opportunity for the players to regain their form after a year of inactivity.
“The Harambee Stars will play for the first time in nearly a year on March 28. This is an important time for Kenya. Otieno stated, “I anticipate a tremendous match and urge all Kenyans to rally behind the side so that we can advance together.”
The FKF president stated that all available resources would be used to help Kenya qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The national team’s head coach, Engin Firat, has welcomed the match, stating that Iran will present Kenya with a good test.
Iran participates in the World Cup and is ranked 24th in the world. Facing them in our first match back after suspension will help us analyze where we are which is the first stage in rebuilding the team and working our way to a high level of competitiveness,” Firat remarked.
Firat, 52, stated that the team will need further international friendlies to create a winning plan before to crucial international matches.
“It is essential to keep the team motivated and hard so that we can perform well when we return.”
The Turkish manager announced that he will name the provisional team on Thursday morning, prior to the March 19 opening of a residential training camp.
Firat stated that he is creating a superb group of players that would represent the national team in future matches, promising to call up a few surprising players from other leagues.
The Turkish head coach revealed that he has identified five foreign-born players with the ability to play on the international arena.
“Within a few days, we will have completed the procedure and released the names,” said Firat.
“I got some unexpected call-ups this time. Over the long term, I hope to work with a total of five foreign-based players who have never played for the national team,” he continued.
William Muluya, the head coach of Kariobangi Sharks, has been designated Firat’s assistant. Ken Odhiambo, the former head coach of Sofapaka, has also been promoted to the technical bench in a similar position.