Local-based Harambee Starlets players are currently in a state of uncertainty following the cancellation of their friendly match against Albania that was scheduled for April 11th.
The players who had been in camp for five days prior to the announcement are now left wondering if they will be paid for their time and effort.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) cited logistical challenges as the reason for the cancellation after consulting with the Ministry of Sports and the Albanian Football Federation.
“FKF in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and the Albanian Federation has canceled the Harambee Starlets friendly match against Albania,” read part of the statement.
“This painful decision has been arrived at due to logistical challenges that have made it impossible to travel and arrive in Albania on or before April 11, despite concerted efforts by all concerned.”
Following the cancellation, a player who was among the 33-member provisional squad to the camp told Newsday Kenya, “We were called and told that our match was cancelled and they told us to go back to our clubs. They didn’t tell us if we will be paid for the 5 days we were in camp.”
Newly appointed Starlets’ coach Godfrey Oduor had assembled a 33-member provisional squad to the camp. The squad consisted of in-form local-based players as well as their experienced broad-based counterparts.
The Starlets have not played an international match for more than a year following Kenya’s suspension by the world football governing body Fifa in February 2022.
