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The first player transfers are expected to switch from Kenya to Europe in the January window.
Shortly after Harambee Stars walloped Seychelles in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, news broke out that Gor Mahia gems Benson Omala and Rooney Onyango would be joining unnamed European team upon recommendation of national team coach Engin Firat.
The revelations excited many and raised eyebrows on Firat’s role in player transfers. Twiga caught up with the Turkish tycoon Aydin Olgun who owns FK Shkupi in Macedonia.
Olgun values Firat’s evaluation of players to an extent that he is willing to acquire the K’Ogalo duo without deploying his club’s scouting network. To him, Firat’s word is golden!
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Why are players from Kenya on your Radar?
Of-course first of all because you have a well-known Turkish coach working in Kenya. This got our attention so we took a closer look at the players he’s helping. And in general, our Club prefers to find talented players from Africa, to develop them and to sell to top leagues in Europe.
Do you think players from Kenya can succeed directly in Europe?
Of-course they can succeed. But don’t forget they are young people and can have problems to adapt in new countries. You have to be patient with them and help them. You need to identify their weaknesses and work on them.
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16:00 - 24.11.2023
FOOTBALL Gor Mahia duo of Benson Omala & Rooney Onyango reportedly on radar of top European team
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has revealed that Gor Mahia players Benson Omala and Rooney Onyango could soon join a European team following his recommendation
Did you spot the right caliber of players when you watched the Seychelles match? Are our players talented enough to succeed in Europe?
Of-course the potential is there and that is most important, but the players need to be ready mentally, learn, possess character to understand that every day is a chance to develop. Yes, Kenyan Players can do it, and we want to work on it.
The right winger of the national team, Rooney Onyango, is playing as right back in his club. What is your opinion about this?
In modern football, a side player needs to play box to box, defensive and offensive. It even helps Rooney maybe to develop. But to be honest, the national team coach recognizes directly where his qualities are, and he is totally right, we wouldn’t have recognized Rooney if he was deployed as right back. He is an offensive minded player and that is the quality we want.
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05:40 - 22.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu plotting move to a big club after settling at Reims
Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has ambitions of making a big-money switch to one of the world’s top teams even after turning down lucrative offers last summer
When will you come to Kenya to watch the players in live league games?
I plan to come in December. I already spoke with the national team Coach and FKF President to find the right time. Hope to see some interesting games and even more players there.
Are you planning a Sistership or Partnership with clubs from Kenya?
Because of distance friendly games can be difficult but we want to work with Kenyan clubs and to be like a bridge for them to top leagues in Europe.
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