Harambee Stars kicked off their preparations for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia with their first training session at Police Sacco Stadium in South C, Nairobi, on Friday, 30th August.

Fifteen players participated in the session, with Saudi Arabia-based Masoud Juma, who was not initially named in the provisional squad, being the only foreign-based player present.

Head coach Engin Firat explained Masoud’s inclusion: “He’s a key player for the national team who is currently recovering from an injury. We’ve been in constant communication, and I felt it was important for him to join the session to regain his confidence.”

He added, “It’s been a while since he last kicked a ball.”

Firat also expressed his frustration over the lack of support that has hindered the team’s preparations for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

“This was our first training session, but we should have started earlier. I had to personally call the players from home because I didn’t get the green light to begin training on Monday due to financial issues,” he said.

“I’ve been told the ministry has yet to release the funds, making it impossible to have the team in camp. Meanwhile, our opponents, Zimbabwe and Namibia, have been in camp and training for over a week. It’s really disappointing. This situation underscores the need for a technical center for our national teams, so we don’t have to rely on government funds to start training,” Firat told Passion Sports.

The coach also addressed the absence of Daniel Anyembe, who will not feature in the two upcoming qualifiers.

“He requested some time off for personal reasons, and I granted it. He will rejoin us in October. He’s an important player and remains part of my plans,” Firat added.

Kenya will face Zimbabwe on Friday, 6th September, in Kampala, before taking on Namibia in Johannesburg four days later.