Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has pointed out why it is important for the national team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals on a more regular basis.

Okumu, who is currently playing in Ligue 1 for Stade de Reims, made a big move to IF Elfsborg of Sweden from Real Monarchs after impressing during the 2019 finals in Egypt.

In that edition, Kenya were pitted against Tanzania, the only team they defeated in Group C, alongside Senegal and Algeria, the eventual finalists.

Given the calibre of opposition, Okumu came up against at a younger age, it opened the door for him to make a move to Europe for the first time.

“It is an interesting thing for the country to be in the biggest competition in Africa.

“It is something that we look up to, and thanks to that, it’s why I was scouted to go to Sweden, which led to my being here today, so it is crucial for the country to qualify for such competitions,” Okumu said.

The 2019 finals were the last time Harambee Stars were in the biennial continental competition, and they will also not be in the next edition. 

Harambee Stars have featured sparingly and were in the 1972, 1990, 1992, and 2004 editions before they returned in 2019.

Engin Firat’s target

Since Engin Firat took over, he has called for high-profile games that will help the team be very competitive.

The Turkish coach has so far overseen friendlies against Iran, Qatar, and South Sudan, and the next one has been planned against Russia. The men’s team also took part in a Four-Nations tournament that was held in Comoros a few months ago.

Firat has also called for patience while he attempts to build a competitive team. He has tried to integrate a team of young and experienced counterparts, as well as one that has a mix of local and foreign-based players.