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Kenya’s head coach, Engin Firat, has defended his squad selection for the Harambee Stars, stating that he has assembled a team ready to take on Russia in the upcoming friendly on October 16.

The 53-year-old Firat had faced criticism from some fans after announcing the squad for the friendly in Antalya, Turkey. Many questioned why Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla, the top scorer in the FKF Premier League with six goals, was omitted from the squad.

Responding to the critics after the team’s first training session in Turkey, Firat maintained he had full confidence in the team he had assembled insisting “it is capable of handling the tasks ahead.”

“It happens to every coach in the world and we know everyone has their expectations regarding squad selection. We must always be ready to answer questions of why someone is in our squad but my primary responsibility is to assemble a team that’s up to the challenge for the upcoming assignments,” said Firat.

Firat assured, “We have not closed the door on any player; the door is always open for players to come in or out. What I want to assure Kenyans is I am confident that the current squad is fully capable of handling tasks they are facing ahead.”

Firat also extended his gratitude to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for arranging the friendly against Russia. He highlighted the value of such matches against strong teams and their potential to expose Kenyan players to better opportunities and promote Kenyan football on the global stage.

“I am grateful to FKF for this game. This is the type of match we need to play, against such tough teams, and I am hopeful that these matches will not only expose our players to better opportunities but also market Kenyan football, and in the long run, generate income for our clubs through transfer fees,” said Firat, adding: “Against Iran, we played well and showed our qualities, against Qatar, who are the reigning Asian champions. We secured the result we desired. These friendlies serve purposes beyond mere results; they pave the way for future opportunities in Kenyan football.”

Vincent Harper, a new call-up from Exeter City in England, expressed optimism about Kenya’s prospects in African and global football. He believed that with hard work, Kenya could aim for both the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup in the near future.

The friendly against Russia is part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to commence in November. Kenya is placed in Group F, along with Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.