Stars to train in Turkey ahead of Russia friendly

Harambee Stars will train in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of their international friendly match against Russia on October 16.

The first batch of players and officials will leave the country on Monday morning, with the last group leaving on Tuesday for a five-day camp before their international fixture.

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat said the team had experienced challenges getting a visa to Turkey, but everything is set now.

“Everyone who needs to travel has their visas now after some challenges, and we are all set to leave with the first batch departing on Monday morning,” he said.

Firat said he had already named the traveling team, and this should be released by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) before the team travels on Monday.

“There are some new and unfamiliar names on the team. The list is ready and is with FKF,” he announced.

Firat called for more support for the team and said he has not received the required help to bring out the best in Harambee Stars.

“In September, we beat the Asian champions, and Kenya is now the talk of the Gulf nations. However, back at home, we have not received the support we need to be at our best.”

He was referring to Kenya’s 2-1 win over Qatar in an international friendly match played in the Gulf nation.

The win was followed by a 1-0 loss to South Sudan and strong condemnation from a section of fans.

By opting to train in Turkey, Harambee Stars will be training in a world-class facility, something that the team has not had for a while as the current stadiums in the country remain in poor shape.

Firat said last month that he was delighted to have won the friendly match against a team that is ranked 39th in the world according to the latest FIFA world rankings.

“I promised my players to do the best for them, and getting this match against Russia is a fulfillment of that promise,” he said then.

He said playing in top countries like Russia will help his side get the required experience and also showcase Kenyan football to the world.

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