Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has spoken out about the team’s recent performance against Iran, stating that Kenya needs one year to compete at the top level of international football.
Despite losing 2-1 to Iran, Firat was pleased with his team’s display and the fighting spirit they showed on the pitch. It was the first time Harambee Stars had played in over a year, following Kenya’s suspension by FIFA, and Firat was impressed that the team managed to put up a strong performance against such a tough opponent.
However, the coach stressed that building a competitive team takes time and patience. Firat stated that he believes it will take Harambee Stars one year to be ready to compete at the top level of international football.
“It was their first time together against a very strong team like Iran. It is very difficult to start like that therefore I am happy with the way they played and how they fought for everything, “said Firat.
Firat also gave debuts to several new players during the Iran match, including striker Alfred Scriven, defender Daniel Anyembe, and Victor Omune of AFC Leopards.
The coach said that these players need more time to adapt to the international game, but he was pleased to see them making their debuts and hopes that they will earn more caps in the future.
