Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has expressed his frustration with the decision to include Kenya in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, despite the team’s automatic qualification as co-hosts. Kenya, along with Uganda and Tanzania, will co-host the tournament reserved exclusively for players active in domestic African leagues. However, Firat is baffled by Kenya’s ongoing participation in the qualifying rounds, a process he believes is unnecessary and detrimental to the team’s morale and performance.
Kenya’s CHAN campaign began on a disappointing note with a 2-0 defeat to South Sudan in Juba on Sunday. Firat believes the defeat was, in part, a consequence of the players’ lack of motivation, as they knew qualification had already been secured. The coach assembled the squad hastily before traveling to South Sudan, and he suggests that the circumstances surrounding the fixture contributed to the team’s subpar performance.
Firat Questions the Logic Behind Playing Unnecessary Qualifiers
Following the loss, Firat voiced his concerns about why his team is involved in a qualifying tournament for a competition they are already guaranteed to participate in. The Turkish tactician stressed the psychological toll it takes on professional players who are accustomed to competing with stakes on the line.
“It does not make sense for me, especially if you know these are professional players who are used to playing for something, but now they have nothing to play for,” Firat remarked after the match. He emphasized that the absence of meaningful objectives affects both the players’ mentality and approach to the game.
“In sports, having something to play for is fundamental. When you don’t, it becomes difficult to give your best. Players naturally want to avoid injuries and might hold back, knowing the match doesn’t impact their future in the competition. These kinds of matches do not make sense to me. I cannot say the players benefited from this game. How? I do not understand,” he added.
Missed Opportunities and Defensive Frailties Cost Kenya
Kenya’s performance against South Sudan was marred by missed chances and defensive lapses, which ultimately led to defeat. The hosts capitalized on their opportunities in the second half, with Ezibon Malish and Yohanna Paulino scoring to seal South Sudan’s 2-0 victory. Firat lamented his team’s inability to convert their chances, suggesting that with better finishing, the result might have been different.
The Kenyan squad featured several experienced players, including goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, defenders Geoffrey Ochieng and Daniel Sakari, and attacking talents such as Austin Odhiambo, Sydney Lokale, and Musa Mohammed. Despite the presence of these seasoned players, the team struggled to break down a well-organized South Sudan defense.
Firat’s frustration is not just rooted in the loss itself but also in the context surrounding the fixture. He pointed out that the players approached the match with a lack of urgency, knowing that it had no real impact on their qualification status. “You know you have a match at the weekend, so you don’t want to get injured. Everything affects you mentally,” Firat explained, highlighting the challenge of motivating players under such conditions.
A Quick Turnaround: Focus Shifts to the Return Leg
Kenya will face South Sudan again in the second leg, scheduled to take place in Uganda on November 3. Although the two-legged tie seems redundant given Kenya’s automatic qualification, the aggregate winner will move on to face either Rwanda or Djibouti in the final qualifying round. Firat is now faced with the task of lifting his team’s spirits and preparing them for a quick turnaround.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Firat hopes for a better outcome in the return leg. He will likely emphasize the importance of pride and consistency, urging his players to rise above the situation and perform at their best, even though the stakes remain unclear.
Balancing Motivation and Performance in a Meaningless Fixture
The situation presents a complex challenge for Firat. On the one hand, the coach needs to ensure that his players remain sharp and focused in the build-up to CHAN 2024. On the other hand, it is difficult to instill motivation when the outcome of the qualifiers is essentially meaningless for Kenya.
Firat hinted at the psychological aspect of managing players under such conditions. He suggested that the uncertainty surrounding the significance of these matches affected his team’s mindset, leading to a less competitive performance. Professional players, accustomed to high-stakes environments, find it challenging to deliver their best when the outcome has no tangible impact.
The coach will have to strike a balance between keeping his key players fresh for the tournament and ensuring the team maintains competitive sharpness through these qualifiers. It remains to be seen how Firat will approach the return leg, but his focus will likely shift toward restoring the players’ confidence and ensuring they avoid further injury risks.
A Broader Issue for the CHAN Tournament
Kenya’s participation in the CHAN qualifiers raises broader questions about the organization of the tournament. The inclusion of co-host nations in qualifiers creates confusion and may undermine the competitive integrity of the process. Typically, host nations are exempt from qualification, as their participation is guaranteed to ensure smooth preparations for the event.
Firat’s criticism reflects the frustration that can arise when logistical decisions seem disconnected from the practical realities of the game. The coach’s concerns highlight the need for clearer guidelines and better communication between tournament organizers and participating teams to avoid similar situations in the future.
Looking Ahead to CHAN 2024
Despite the current challenges, Kenya’s focus will eventually shift to the main tournament, where they aim to perform well on home soil. CHAN 2024 offers a unique opportunity for the Harambee Stars to showcase their talent and compete against some of the best domestic-based players from across Africa.
The tournament will also provide a platform for local players to gain exposure and potentially earn moves to higher-profile leagues. For Firat, the goal will be to build a cohesive team capable of competing at the highest level and making a mark in the tournament.
The coach’s immediate priority, however, will be to navigate the remainder of the qualifiers without further complications. Firat will hope that his players can maintain their focus, avoid injuries, and approach the matches with professionalism, despite the frustrating circumstances.
Conclusion
Engin Firat’s frustration with Kenya’s participation in the CHAN qualifiers reflects a broader challenge faced by teams preparing for major tournaments. The decision to include co-host nations in the qualification process has not only complicated Kenya’s preparations but also created unnecessary psychological hurdles for the players.
With the return leg against South Sudan looming, Firat must find a way to motivate his squad and ensure they deliver a positive performance. Beyond the qualifiers, the focus will shift to CHAN 2024, where the Harambee Stars will aim to capitalize on home advantage and make a lasting impression in the tournament.
