Kenyan head coach Engin Firat has raised concerns about Kenya’s readiness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), citing the country’s lack of adequate sports infrastructure.
Speaking after a training session at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Firat praised Uganda’s facilities and expressed frustration with the conditions in Kenya.
“We have many issues,” Firat lamented. “The conditions here are excellent, and the field is something we can only dream of in Kenya. Therefore, Uganda seems ready for AFCON.”
The Kenyan team is facing additional challenges heading into their crucial AFCON qualifier against Zimbabwe.
The absence of their captain due to injury is a significant blow, and several other key players are also unavailable. Assistant captain Joseph Okumu, however, remains optimistic about the team’s chances.
“Our captain is crucial, but the players we have here are more than capable of stepping up,” Okumu assured reporters.
Despite the setbacks, Firat remains confident in his team’s ability to perform under pressure.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by Zimbabwe’s newly refreshed squad but expressed hope that Kenya can overcome the obstacles.
The upcoming match is more than just a game; it’s a chance for Kenya to demonstrate resilience and strive for a return to AFCON glory.
A minor scuffle between the coaching staff and the Zimbabwean team has added tension to the match, but Firat downplayed the incident as a misunderstanding.
