Shabana midfielder earns late Harambee Stars call up less than a week to CHAN kick off
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 28.07.25. | 07:22
The initial exclusion of the player, who was arguably the best midfielder in the concluded season raised questions from football stakeholders
Shabana FC midfielder Brian Michira has been called up to the national team, Harambee Stars, ahead of next Sunday’s 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) opening match against DR Congo.
Michira’s initial exclusion from the squad had stirred debate among fans, particularly after his standout season in the top flight.
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Last season, the midfielder netted 17 goals, with 12 of those being league strikes and five in the Mozzart Bet Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer.
When questioned about his selection, head coach Benni McCarthy defended his choice, saying he picked players based on familiarity and recent form, particularly those who had been involved in the June friendly against Chad.
“You cannot please everyone, and I am not here to please people; I am here to bring success to this country. The players we have selected are those we have seen, those we have worked with in camp, and those we believe can get the job done,” he stated.
McCarthy reiterated his ambition for the tournament, emphasizing that the selected team is aiming for more than just participation.
“We are not going to just make up the numbers, we’re here to make a statement, to go as far as possible, and hopefully win it. The boys in this team have what it takes to get us where we need to be,” he declared.
On Sunday evening, Michira's long-awaited call up was confirmed by Shabana FC via a post on their social media pages.
“The wait is finally over, here we go. National team call-up. Brian Michira Migiro,” read the statement, accompanied by images of the player.
CHAN 2024 Harambee Stars squad
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders: Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Brian Michira
Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
