As Kenya’s Harambee Stars prepare to face South Sudan in Juba for the first leg of their CHAN 2025 qualifier, head coach Engin Firat has expressed growing concerns about the nature and circumstances of the match. Firat has openly criticized Kenya’s inclusion in the qualification rounds despite the country’s role as one of the co-hosts of CHAN 2025, together with Uganda and Tanzania. This scenario raises critical questions about the competitive and logistical structure of the tournament. Firat believes that the situation could have negative effects on his squad, and this article explores the challenges ahead of the clash.
The CHAN Qualification Paradox
The structure of the CHAN tournament typically exempts host nations from participating in the qualification rounds, allowing them to focus on preparation. However, Kenya has found itself needing to navigate the qualifiers despite being a co-host. Firat argues that this involvement undermines the preparation process and diminishes the competitive edge for his players. From the coach’s perspective, playing a game that should otherwise be seen as high-stakes feels more like a glorified friendly.
“There is a difference between playing a competitive fixture under pressure and treating it as a preparatory game. The motivation levels are hard to maintain when the outcome doesn’t significantly affect the future of the team,” Firat suggests. His words underscore the psychological challenge of getting players to perform at their best in matches perceived as unnecessary or lacking consequences.
Meanwhile, South Sudan will likely approach the game with intense motivation. For them, this match represents a significant opportunity to progress in the competition and potentially secure a spot in the tournament proper. In contrast, Kenya’s players may struggle to find the same drive, making it harder to create a balanced contest.
Disrupted Preparations and Player Fitness Issues
A key issue Firat emphasized is the limited preparation time for the match. The Harambee Stars have only managed to fit in two training sessions one in Nairobi and another in Juba leaving little room to build cohesion among players. Firat noted that many of the players are unfamiliar with each other’s playing styles, which further complicates the task of fielding a well-organized team.
“In football, chemistry between players is essential, and that takes time to build,” Firat explained. However, with only two sessions under their belt, the players lack the synchronization needed to execute tactical strategies effectively. This minimal preparation also puts pressure on the coaching staff, who must find ways to adapt on the fly and ensure the team can perform under challenging circumstances.
Adding to these difficulties is the disruption of domestic league schedules in Kenya. Firat highlighted that inconsistent match schedules in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) have left players without sufficient competitive rhythm. According to the coach, players are often forced to wait three to four weeks between matches, disrupting their momentum and leaving them under-prepared for critical fixtures like the one against South Sudan.
The situation has become a source of frustration for both the players and technical staff, as maintaining form and fitness becomes increasingly difficult. Firat admitted that the demanding schedule complicates the team’s planning, especially since some players had little time to recover before joining the squad for the qualifiers.
Travel Logistics and Its Impact on Performance
Traveling for away fixtures adds another layer of complexity to Kenya’s preparations. The team only had light warm-ups before departing for Juba, which has raised concerns about the players’ physical condition. While some might dismiss these logistical challenges as part and parcel of international football, the lack of adequate time to acclimatize and prepare can have a real impact on the quality of play.
A significant portion of the squad also comprises players who do not regularly feature in international matches, making their adjustment to the demands of cross-border competition even more difficult. “Traveling and playing under such conditions requires more preparation than we currently have,” Firat lamented. With players lacking the opportunity to bond and adjust to tactical demands in training, the game against South Sudan could become a stiff test.
Challenges in Maintaining Player Morale and Focus
In Firat’s view, motivating players to take the South Sudan clash seriously has become an uphill task. The psychological toll of treating the game as more than just a formality is palpable, especially when the team knows it has already secured a place in CHAN 2025. Firat acknowledged that without the usual pressure attached to competitive fixtures, it becomes challenging to keep the players fully focused.
The coach’s concerns are further exacerbated by the tight football calendar, which leaves little time for mental recovery. Players are expected to switch between club duties and national assignments without adequate preparation, which can lead to fatigue and reduced performance levels. The condensed schedule is not only physically taxing but also affects the players’ mental readiness.
Squad Changes and Their Effect on Tactics
In the lead-up to the match, Firat was forced to make changes to the squad, adding yet another complication to the team’s preparations. Injuries and availability issues meant that some key players were unavailable for selection, disrupting the balance of the team. Integrating new players into the lineup with limited training time presents a significant tactical challenge, as the coaching staff must quickly find ways to align individual talents with the team’s overall strategy.
The lack of continuity in the squad also places additional responsibility on senior players, who must step up and provide leadership on the pitch. Firat will rely heavily on these experienced individuals to guide the younger or less experienced players through the match, especially given the lack of cohesion within the squad. However, the question remains whether this improvised setup will be enough to secure a favorable result.
The Importance of a Strong Performance
Despite the challenges, Firat remains optimistic about the team’s prospects in Juba. A victory over South Sudan would not only boost morale but also provide valuable experience for the players as they prepare for the main CHAN tournament in 2025. For the coaching staff, the match serves as an opportunity to evaluate players and fine-tune strategies in preparation for future competitions.
While the result may not carry the same weight as a traditional qualifier, a win would demonstrate the team’s ability to overcome adversity and perform under challenging conditions. It would also send a message to Kenya’s co-hosting partners and other teams in the region that Harambee Stars are serious contenders for the tournament.
Looking Ahead: What Lies Beyond the South Sudan Match
Assuming Kenya advances to the second round of qualifiers, they will face tougher opposition. The experience gained from the South Sudan fixture will prove invaluable as Firat and his staff work to address the gaps in the team’s performance. However, the larger question remains: how will Kenya’s involvement in the qualifiers impact its preparations for CHAN 2025?
If the current structure continues, the team may find itself stretched thin, balancing the demands of both qualification matches and preparation for hosting the tournament. Firat has voiced his concerns about the long-term impact of this arrangement, emphasizing the need for clearer planning and better coordination between the national team and domestic leagues.
In the end, the South Sudan game is more than just a qualifier it is a test of Kenya’s resilience and adaptability. Firat’s ability to navigate these challenges will not only define the outcome of this match but also shape the narrative for Harambee Stars as they gear up for CHAN 2025. While the road ahead is filled with obstacles, Kenya’s national team has an opportunity to turn adversity into strength and lay the groundwork for a successful tournament on home soil.
