Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat’s headache
By Dennis Mabuka, October 23, 2023
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has admitted facing huge problems in the goalkeeping department after custodian Bryne Omondi was ruled out for several months following an injury picked in the team’s friendly against Russia on October 16.
During the fixture at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey, the KCB shot-stopper was withdrawn in the 13th minute after he picked an ankle injury while trying to make a save with Kenya trailing 1-0. He was replaced by Kenya Police’s Patrick Matasi and Harambee Stars went on to secure a 2-2 draw.
Speaking for the first time about Omondi’s injury, the 54-year-old Firat told People Sports that he will face a long-term spell on the sidelines adding it was a big problem for his side as they get ready for the World Cup qualifiers set to kick off on November 13.
“It was an ankle injury, his ankle is broken,” Firat told People Sports, adding: “It will be a long-term problem and our biggest problem.”
Omondi was first handed a call to the national team in 2019 but he failed to make the cut and was later recalled for the Four-Nation tournament in Mauritius in June 2023. He made his debut in the 1-0 win against Pakistan and played in the second game where Kenya lost 1-0 against hosts Mauritius.
Last season, he was in great form for the Bankers, managing to keep 13 clean sheets and so far in this campaign, he has kept four clean sheets from six matches. He only conceded in the 2-1 defeat against Kariobangi Sharks and 1-1 draw against champions Gor Mahia.
His absence will mean coach Firat will have to choose between Ian Otieno, who features for Zesco United in Zambia, or Matasi for the opening matches of the World Cup qualifiers. Matasi’s display for Kenya has on many occasions raised concerns with the keeper conceding easy goals and this will be a huge headache to Firat and his technical bench to settle on who between Matasi and Otieno will get the starting role.
Kenya will kick off their Group F campaign with an away game against Gabon on November 13 before they return home to face Seychelles on November 20.