“We Can Only Dream”: Harambee Stars Coach Comments On Kenya’s Football Facilities
- Harambee Stars have been unable to play their matches in Kenya due to renovations in their major stadiums
- Head coach Engin Firat was in awe of Mandela National Stadium in Uganda, which hosted their 0-0 clash against Zimbabwe
- He appeared to criticize the state of football in Kenya, saying Uganda and Tanzania are growing while Kenya is just talk
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The Kenya national football team has played the last few of their home matches in another country because the country's major stadiums are undergoing renovations.
Harambee Stars have played their two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast in Malawi and will play some AFCON qualifiers away.
Before Kenya drew 0-0 with Zimbabwe in their 2025 AFCON qualifier, head coach Engin Firat was in awe of the facilities in Uganda.
The country is preparing to jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), in February 2025 with Uganda and Tanzania, per The Star.
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The government closed major stadiums for renovations, forcing the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to move matches to neighbouring countries.
Firat's commends Uganda
Uganda's Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda, hosted Harambee Stars' 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe.
Before the game, Firat was impressed with the stadium and appeared to take a swipe at Kenya's situation.
“The conditions in Uganda are very good, the field is very good, we can only dream about them in Kenya. And I see that Uganda is ready to host AFCON," per Clive Kyazze.
The Turk later doubled down in his post-game press conference.
“In Kenya, you have a problem, you think you are world champions and you underestimate everybody around you," he said.
Firat is looking to take Harambee Stars to their third AFCON tournament since 2000. Next week, they face Namibia, aiming to register their first win in Group J.
Mulee on Harambee Stars' AFCON chances
TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee discussed Kenya's chances of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, which will be hosted by Morocco.
The former Harambee Stars coach, who led the team at the 2004 tournament, believes they have good squad players who can help them qualify.
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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat said Kenya has a way to go to become a top football nation
From Fifa ban to World Cup dream, 2023 was a rollercoaster year for
From Fifa ban to World Cup dream, 2023 was a rollercoaster year for
