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A confident national football team Harambee Stars arrived safely in Iran yesterday afternoon ahead of their international friendly match against the hosts at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran tomorrow from 7pm (East African Time).

“I must say that the players have trained well and are raring to go. I have been trying to introduce some new dynamics that will benefit the team and the match against Iran will give me a bearing of what to expect in future,” said Firat who was speaking shortly before the team boarded the plane to the Iranian capital at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The returnee coach expressed gratitude with the mentality of players ahead of a meeting with an experienced Iranian team that has graced the World Cup several times.

 I’m glad that the players have adapted well both on and off the pitch and it’s upon them to demonstrate what they have learned in training. Most of them just can’t wait to meet a football bigwig in Iran,” offered Firat while envisaging a tough game.

“We are going to play against a good team and common sense dictates that it won’t be easy for a good measure. But all in all, we have the quality and shall fight to the last man standing in our quest to shock the hosts,” he added.

Among the locally based players dropped from the squad are injured Gor Mahia talismanic striker Benson Omalla, AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levin Opiyo and as well as defenders David “Cheche” Ochieng,  Andrew Juma from Mathare United and Bandari respectively and Maurice Owino of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB). 

Others are Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Joseph Mwangi (Nzoia Sugar), Alvin Mangeni (Kenya Police FC) and Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz).

Foreign based players who were not considered for the duty are Collins Shichenje  (AIK, Sweden) and Wiulkims Ochieng’ (FC Koper, Slovenia).    

Debutants Alfred Scriven and Daniel Anyembe received a nod and so are regulars Kenneth Muguna, Eric Ouma, Richard Odada, and Abdallah Hassan also make the team.

Asked on the composition of the team, Firat said Kenyan fans should not read too much in what is perceived as dropping good players for the match.

“All those named in the provisional side are in my future plans but let’s see what the final squad has to offer and if there will be any rectifications, they shall be made in the soonest time possible.

He added: “Some of those players who did not make the squad were in my plans but are injured which is why they were left out. Eric (Johanna) and Jonah (Ayunga) were in my plans but they are injured so we shall see them at a future date” Firat added.

On the flip side, forward Masoud Juma of Moroccan club Difaa El Jadidi has recovered from an injury and was drafted in the squad and is expected to add impetus to the forward line that also includes Alfred Scriven, Michael Olunga, and Elvis Rupia.