Ahead of their match against Namibia on November 19, Kenya’s head coach Engin Firat urges improvements in local football facilities, stressing that his team has not played at home in three years. The Harambee Stars aim for redemption after a lackluster AFCON qualifying campaign, while Namibia seeks to capitalize on recent positive performances despite their own challenges.
Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, is preparing for their upcoming match against Namibia on Tuesday, November 19, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with the match commencing at 3 PM CAT. Head coach Engin Firat has called on the Kenya Football Federation to prioritize improvements in local facilities, especially after the team’s disheartening qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which culminated in a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe on November 15. The East African side has struggled in their group, securing only one victory in five matches, notably a win against Namibia previously. Firat expressed frustration at the lack of home advantage, emphasizing the impact of playing away from Kenyan soil; the team has not hosted a match in three years and lacks credible training facilities. Meanwhile, Namibia’s performance has mirrored Kenya’s challenges, as they have also played their home games abroad, managing only a single point throughout their campaign thus far. Key players to watch include Michael Olunga for Kenya, who is on the verge of making history as he aims to match William Ouma’s all-time scoring record for the national team. On the Namibia side, forward Peter Shalulile, while yet to score in 2024, has displayed commendable form in league play recently, indicating he may be due for a breakthrough in international fixtures soon.
The current challenges faced by the Kenyan national football team largely stem from systemic issues within the local football infrastructure. Engin Firat’s insistence on the necessity of improving training facilities and returning to home ground matches highlights a significant barrier to the team’s success. Historically, the Harambee Stars have struggled to qualify for continental competitions, failing to secure spots in the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, which further compounds the urgency for administrative and structural changes. Additionally, Namibia’s situation reflects similar challenges, bringing attention to a broader issue within African football regarding infrastructure and support for national teams.
In summary, Kenya’s upcoming match against Namibia carries significance beyond mere points in the standings. With Coach Firat advocating for necessary changes in football infrastructure and echoing the frustrations experienced by both teams in their qualification campaigns, the focus must shift towards tangible support for national teams. As both Kenya and Namibia aim to improve their standings, key players will look to make impactful performances that could revitalize their respective qualifications for future competitions.
Original Source: supersport.com
