Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat handed first call-ups to Australia-based Bruce Kamau, former Germany U-18 defender Tobias Knost, and ex-Newcastle and England youth winger Adam Wilson last Monday. Firat has hinted at adding another undeclared player to his squad as he strengthens his lineup ahead of facing Burundi and Ivory Coast in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Malawi this June.
On Monday, the Football Kenya Federation announced Firat’s provisional squad of players who will join the camp in Nairobi before traveling to Malawi for the tournament.
Unless otherwise stated, the matches will likely take place at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe, as Nairobi lacks any stadium meeting CAF and FIFA requirements for hosting international matches. Firat clarified that key players such as Michael Olunga, Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, and Daniel Anyembe will join the team later due to their club commitments in June. He also explained why he called up Bruce Kamau, Adam Wilson, and Tobias Knost.
“We have a lot of players abroad with potential, which is why I convinced them to play for our team,” Firat said.
Bradford winger Adam Wilson, who came through Newcastle United’s academy and played for England at the U-18 level, has a playing style similar to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. He can play wide on the right and cut inside with the ball, showing strong combination play and one-on-one capabilities, which Firat hopes to exploit. “Adam, for example, played for England U-18. He is a winger with very good dribbling capabilities,” Firat noted.
Tobias Knost, a product of the Hamburger SV academy now playing for VfB Lübeck in the 3. Bundesliga, was also called up. Firat elaborated, “Knost played for Germany U-18. He can play as a right winger, right back, or center back. At his club, he plays as a right back. Bruce Kamau, you know about him in Australia.”
Firat hinted at adding another undeclared player to the team, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the squad’s quality. “I try to find these boys with potential. It is all about beefing up the quality of the team. Maybe we could have one more surprise,” he revealed.
Several players are eligible to play for Kenya, including FC Köln’s Linton Maina, Monaco’s Elliot Matazo, and Bristol City’s Zack Onyego Vyner. Firat has already called up and handed debuts to players such as Norway-based Alfred Scriven, Viborg’s Anyembe, and Orlando City’s Nabi Kibunguchy. Former Brighton striker Jonah Ayunga was also called up to the team.
Long-term, this strategy could help solve problematic positions within the team.
