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Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has explained why top players from around the region have opted to play in the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League and not the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

The Turkish tactician said that the country’s competition has fallen from its previous high standards as the Tanzanian league grew in the same period of time.

“A few years back, the Kenyan league was one of the top in the region but has remained stagnant, while in Tanzania, the competition has grown with players earning huge salaries.

“That is why many top local players prefer to play in Tanzanian when they get an opportunity,” Firat told a local radio station.

Omala’s move

The national team coach also touched on the failed move of Bneson Omala to Algeria. The Gor Mahia striker was set to join JS Saoura in the last mini-transfer window, but the deal did not see the light of day.

While commenting on what the Kenyan striker was set to earn, he said that the amount of money was less than what top players should pocket.

“The other day, I heard that Omala was scheduled to move to Algeria and earn $20,000 per month. That is not the amount of money a top striker should be earning,” Firat added.

He urged local players to seek greener pastures outside, saying that such a move would help make Harambee Stars a competitive outfit.

“My advice to our local players is that if they feel they are good enough, then they should seek to play in big leagues to improve not just their skills but also the competitiveness of Harambee Stars,” Firat concluded.

Ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast, Firat will lead Kenya in a Four-Nation tournament in Malawi in March.