Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has shared his admiration for Mohammed Bajaber, the Kenya Police attacking midfielder, after the player made an impression both on and off the pitch during their recent interactions. Bajaber’s performances for the national team in the World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon were especially noteworthy. He made a memorable debut, scoring a stunning goal in the 3-3 draw against The Gambia and later starting in the 2-1 loss to Gabon, where he continued to impress with his skill and composure.
While Bajaber’s talent on the field caught the attention of McCarthy, it was his mindset and aspirations that left a lasting impact on the coach. McCarthy spoke highly of their conversations, noting that the midfielder’s ambition to play in Europe resonated deeply with him. According to McCarthy, Bajaber is a player who is not afraid to step out of his comfort zone and has the confidence to aim high in his career. “I am going to play in Europe,” Bajaber reportedly told McCarthy, echoing his strong desire to test himself against some of the best players in the world.
McCarthy expressed his excitement about Bajaber’s mentality, which he sees as crucial for the success of the national team. “Because you see so much of that here in Kenya, they have so much aspiration. Mohammed Bajaber, I had so many conversations with him, and he is like, ‘Coach, I am going to play in Europe.’” This determination is exactly what McCarthy values in his players, as he believes that a player with such ambition will not only elevate himself but also help raise the performance of the entire team.
Bajaber’s aspirations are not just confined to his words. The midfielder has already taken steps towards realizing his European dream. Earlier in his career, Bajaber had trials in Denmark, where he began to gain experience on the international stage. Although he has not yet secured a move to Europe, his current form and growing reputation mean that he is now on the radar of several foreign clubs, further fueling his ambitions.
The 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) present another crucial opportunity for Bajaber to showcase his talents on a broader stage. With the spotlight on Harambee Stars during the tournament, a strong performance in the competition could propel him even closer to his dream of moving to Europe. McCarthy believes that for players like Bajaber, success with the national team is key to making the jump to European football. The confidence and belief that Kenyan players have in their ability to succeed internationally is something McCarthy greatly admires, and he is determined to help the team reach new heights.
However, Bajaber is not allowing the excitement around his future to distract him from his immediate goals. He remains focused on helping Kenya Police secure their first-ever FKF Premier League title, a feat that would be a testament to his contributions at the domestic level. McCarthy has also stressed that for Bajaber to move closer to his European dream, he must continue to perform well with Harambee Stars, as international success often acts as a gateway to European clubs.
The relationship between McCarthy and Bajaber is built on mutual respect and shared ambition. The coach’s belief in Bajaber’s potential and his recognition of the player’s mentality will likely play a significant role in Bajaber’s development as a player. With a promising future ahead, Bajaber’s journey from Kenya Police to possibly playing in Europe seems well within reach, and with McCarthy’s guidance, he could soon achieve the international success he desires.
