Austin Odhiambo weighs in on increased foreign-based players in Harambee Stars squad
.jpeg)
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 21.05.26. | 18:03
The inclusions sparked debate among fans, with some arguing that the growing number of diaspora players could reduce opportunities for local-based footballers
Austin Odhiambo has welcomed the increasing number of foreign-based players being drafted into the Harambee Stars squad, insisting the competition can only make the national team stronger ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news
The attacking midfielder, who currently plays club football in Lebanon, believes the arrival of more overseas-based players should not be viewed as a threat to locally based talent, but rather as motivation for every player to improve and fight harder for a place in the national team.
On Monday, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy named a squad heavily laden with foreign-based talent for the upcoming international friendlies against Kyrgyzstan and Palestine scheduled for June.
Among the new call-ups are defender Deon Woodman of Wealdstone FC, winger Sammy Henia-Kamau from Hull City, forward Micah Obiero of Wealdstone FC, Stoke City defender Sydney Agina and goalkeeper Caleb Kramer of ADO Den Haag.
They join other foreign-based stars already in the squad as the technical bench continues expanding its player pool ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The inclusions sparked debate among fans, with some arguing that the growing number of diaspora players could reduce opportunities for locally based footballers.
The former Gor Mahia midfielder, however, sees the situation differently and says increased competition is exactly what the national team needs to progress.
“When new players come in, everybody raises their level because no one wants to lose their place,” Odhiambo said in an interview with The Star.
The midfielder added that the current Harambee Stars squad possesses both excellence and determination, qualities he believes will be key as Kenya prepares for major assignments in the coming months.
“We have talent in this squad, but more importantly, we have players who are hungry to succeed for the country,” he said.
Kenya has been drawn alongside Eritrea, Guinea and South Africa in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with the Harambee Stars set to use the matches as preparation for the continental tournament that Kenya will co-host together with Uganda and Tanzania.
Odhiambo believes the qualifiers and international friendlies will provide the team with the perfect platform to build chemistry, gain experience and prepare for the pressure that comes with hosting Africa’s biggest football tournament.
“These matches are very important for us because they help us build chemistry and prepare for the pressure of the tournament itself,” he noted.
“We know what this tournament means to Kenyans, and we are ready to give everything for the badge.”
The former Gor Mahia midfielder also emphasised the need for the team to maintain the same fighting spirit both home and away as they seek to restore Kenya’s status in African football.
“Whether we play at home or away, we must carry the spirit of Kenya everywhere we go,” he added.
