The head coach of Kenya’s men’s national football team, Engin Firat, has expressed dissatisfaction with Zimbabwe Football Association’s (ZIFA) decision to host the crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Zimbabwe and Kenya at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. Scheduled for this Friday, the match could be a decisive step in determining Kenya’s path to AFCON qualification.
Zimbabwe situation with securing Caf approved Stadium
ZIFA’s decision comes as Zimbabwe continues to face challenges in securing CAF-approved stadiums. Previously, Zimbabwe has hosted qualifiers at Mandela Stadium in Uganda and Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. However, this time they opted for Polokwane, an unfamiliar and logistically challenging location for visiting teams.
Coach Firat’s Logistic Concerns
Coach Firat voiced concerns that the journey to Polokwane could disrupt the Harambee Stars’ preparations. In an interview with Tata Sports, he remarked, “I don’t know why they [ZIFA] chose the stadium because it is very difficult to reach the city itself. We have a flight to Johannesburg, but from there, we have to take a bus for around five hours to get to the stadium. It is also very difficult for us to arrange a domestic flight.”
Though the drive from Johannesburg to Polokwane is closer to three hours than the five Firat mentioned, the trip still poses a logistical challenge, especially for players arriving from Europe. Firat is particularly concerned about travel fatigue impacting his Europe-based players. “For our Europe-based players, it will be a long journey – they’ll have to take a 15-16 hour flight to reach South Africa,” Firat noted.
To mitigate fatigue, Firat traveled to South Africa on Monday with a contingent of locally-based players. The full squad, including those based in Europe, is expected to arrive by Wednesday, allowing only a brief training session before Friday’s fixture.
Kenya to host Namibia in South Africa
Meanwhile, Kenya is also preparing for its own home fixture against Namibia on November 19, which will take place at the same Polokwane stadium. Acting Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Patrick Korir told Mozzart Sport that the Polokwane arrangement offers a more convenient option than Uganda, where Kenya has previously hosted home matches due to its lack of CAF-approved stadiums.
What’s at stake for Kenya and Zimbabwe
The stakes are high for Kenya, currently in third place in Group J with four points from four games. To have a shot at next year’s AFCON in Morocco, the Harambee Stars must secure victories in both of their remaining matches. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, sits in second place with eight points, with Cameroon leading the group on ten, and Namibia trailing without any points.
This makes Friday’s encounter a must-win for Firat’s side. Whether Kenya can overcome logistical hurdles and maintain peak performance remains to be seen as they aim to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
Harambee Stars squad
Goalkeepers
Byrne Odhiambo
Faruk Shikhalo
Ian Otieno
Defenders
Daniel Anyembe
Amos Wanjala
Amos Nondi
Joseph Okumu
Johnstone Omurwa
Charles Momanyi
Eric Ouma
Abud Omar
Midfielders
Anthony Akumu
Marvin Nabwire
Duke Abuya
Timothy Ouma
Richard Odada
Austine Odhiambo
Ronney Onyango
Alfred Scriven
Leshan Mootian
Adam Wilson
Forwards
Michael Olunga
Jonah Ayunga
John Avire
New additions and dropped players in the squad
The New Saints Winger Adam Wilson has been dropped for the squad as he’s been allowed to not join the camp having lost his grandmother few days ago,he’s set to be replaced by Kenya Police Right back Daniel Sakari.
Goalkeeper Ian Otieno has also been dropped and is set to be replaced by Brian Bwire.
Zimbabwe’s squad
Goalkeepers:
Washington Arubi-Marumo Gallants
Marley Tavaziva- Brentford
Martin Mapisa-Dynamos
Defenders:
Divine Lunga-Mamelodi Sundowns
Gerald Takwara-Al Minaa SC
Munashe Garananga-Fc Copenhagen
Godknows Murwira-Caps United
Emmanuel Jalal-Dynamos
Teenage Hadebe-Fc Cincinnati
Jordan Zemura-Udinese
Midfielders:
Marvelous Nakamba-Luton Town
Marshall Munetsi-Stade de Reims
Andy Binombota-Cardiff City
Richard Hachiro- Ngezi Platinum
Forwards :
Tinotenda Kadewere-Fc Nantes
Khama Billiat-Yadah Fc
Tymon Machopo-Simba Bhora
Prince Dube-Yanga
Terrence Dzvukamanja-Supersport United
Tawanda Maswanhise-Motherwell
Daniel Msendami-Marumo Gallants
Walter Musona-Simba Bhora
Douglas Maptumo-Polokwane City