Muhiddin Calls for Harambee Stars Overhaul with Focus on Youth
Former Harambee Stars coach Twahir Muhiddin has urged a revamp of Kenya’s national football team, emphasizing a focus on rising talents. His comments follow the team’s disappointing failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, where they placed third in Group J behind Cameroon and Zimbabwe.
Muhiddin advocates for integrating youthful players from the Rising Stars alongside seasoned veterans to form a competitive squad for future tournaments. “Blending youth with experience will create a formidable team ready to compete, not just participate,” he said, adding that patience and a strategic approach could yield results by AFCON 2027.
The ex-coach also challenged the notion that foreign-based players automatically earn national team slots, calling for more competition from local talent. “Our players need to push harder so that opportunities aren’t limited to those abroad. Success on the national team attracts offers from top clubs, benefiting both players and the country.”
His remarks coincide with speculation that FKF president Hussein Mohammed may replace current coach Engin Firat after the failed qualification campaign. Muhiddin suggests giving the next coach at least two years to build a cohesive, competitive team.
This call for change reflects growing demands for accountability and a renewed focus on nurturing local football talent to elevate Kenya’s standing on the continental stage.
