Kenya is set to play a friendly match against a prominent European country in 2024, following games against Iran, Qatar, and Russia in 2023.
Engin Firat, the head coach of Harambee Stars, has outlined several benefits of playing against top soccer nations for Kenyan football.
In 2023, the Stars had significant matches against Qatar, Russia, and Iran, performing well in each. However, 2024’s schedule is mostly filled with competitive games, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, AFCON 2025 qualifiers, and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in September. There’s only one international window in March for friendly matches.
Firat emphasized the goal of enhancing Kenya’s football reputation, a country traditionally known for athletics. Speaking to Radio Jambo, he said, “If you ask anyone in the world of sport about Kenya, they think of athletics, not football. Our aim was to change that perception by playing against these teams.”
However, financial constraints pose a challenge. Firat shared a conversation with a Kenyan journalist who mentioned that playing a friendly against France would cost about 2 million euros (Ksh 348 million). Despite the cost, Firat is determined to arrange such matches.
The team’s performances against Iran, Qatar, and Russia have opened doors in the Middle East and Eastern Europe for Kenyan players. Firat noted that before playing Russia, the perception in Eastern Europe was very low, but now there’s a growing respect for Kenyan football.
Firat also believes that playing against these nations has greatly boosted the players’ self-confidence. He recalled how Russia won 8-0 against Cuba after playing Kenya, highlighting the strength and potential of the Kenyan team. He concluded, “Such experiences instill belief in the players that they can achieve big things.”
