Harambee Stars head coach, Engin Firat, has expressed his frustration regarding the lack of infrastructure and scouting systems in Kenyan football, which has left him uncertain about the true potential of the national team.
Speaking during a media session before the team’s departure for a Four-Nation Tournament, Firat shed light on the challenges he faces as the coach.
Firat admitted that the absence of proper scouting in Kenya makes it difficult for him to gauge the talent pool available for the national team.
He compared it to other countries where talent is identified from a young age, allowing for a comprehensive overview of players as they develop.
“Like Moses Shumah…two months ago, nobody knew him…for me, it’s confusing. The problem is two-sided. Messi can be born here in Kenya and nobody will find him, or he can be directly in front of us tomorrow. It’s all about luck. I really don’t know the real potential we have. There’s no limit.
“This is the problem we have had for the last, I don’t know, how many decades. Sometimes I get really confused,” lamented the coach.
The coach also suggested that there may be individuals deliberately sabotaging the team by creating a negative atmosphere.
He referred to an incident involving the exclusion of Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla from the squad for a friendly match against Iran, which led to accusations of insulting the country and racist comments.
“Last time there was a goal-getter, he was not in the final squad. So, everybody wrote something about insulting the country, blah blah, some racist comment, we had all kinds of the show here.
“So now that I’m looking around, Elvis Rupia has the same goals, fewer penalties, and more assists; therefore, Elvis is one step ahead, statistics show it,” he explained.
