'International Clubs Will Be Coming For Him' - Ex-Man United Coach Backs Kenyan Talisman Ahead of CHAN 2024

The former UEFA Champions League winner with Porto has revealed why Mohammed Bajaber is inevitably destined for the top level following a breakthrough season with Kenya Police and Harambee Stars.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has tipped rising star Mohammed Bajaber for a swift move abroad, following a standout season that has catapulted the midfielder into the national spotlight.

Bajaber, who joined Kenya Police  from Nairobi City Stars in January for a fee exceeding 1 million Kenyan shillings, was instrumental in helping the team clinch the FKF Premier League title. His six goals and clutch performances were key in Kenya Police’s title charge.

The 22-year-old made an immediate impact on the international stage as well, scoring a stunning debut goal in a 3-3 draw against Gambia last March—an outing that changed the trajectory of his career.

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However, his momentum was interrupted by an untimely injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season, forcing him to miss Kenya’s most recent international friendlies against Chad.

Despite this, McCarthy, a former Manchester United assistant. remains confident in Bajaber’s future and believes it won’t be long before top-tier clubs come calling.

"He's a young player that broke through the system and quickly developed himself into a powerhouse," McCarthy said.

"He's not going to play in the Kenyan league for long, because international clubs are already looking at him. That’s largely due to his bravery and tenacity. He wants more for himself."

Bajaber is part of the squad preparing for the upcoming CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Arusha, which will serve as a warm-up for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, co-hosted by Kenya in August.

During an open training session at Kasarani Annex, the midfielder was seen training separately from the main group under the guidance of a fitness coach—raising questions about his match readiness.

McCarthy addressed those concerns, explaining his cautious approach to managing the midfielder's return:

"He’s improved. When you have players like that, you give them every opportunity to be available because you can’t afford to lose players like that," said McCarthy.

"It would be silly of me to let him train fully every day and then lose him to a small niggle. So he has a strict program with the fitness coach and physio. He starts with the team, but once the training becomes more physical, we pull him out. We’re safeguarding him so that by the time CHAN arrives, one of our best players is fit and ready to represent the country."

Tough Calls on Squad Selection

McCarthy also addressed his decision to omit several notable players from the squad, including Staphod Odhiambo, Yakeen Mutheli, Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), and Tusker goalkeeper Brian Opondo.

"I’m a very open coach. I treat everyone the same. If they work hard and bring what I expect to the team, we’ll have a good relationship," he explained.

"But you have to make tough decisions. You can’t keep everyone in the squad. That said, I’ve been impressed by most of the players in training. These are players for the future—maybe not now in CHAN, but for the World Cup qualifiers coming up, they could be included if they keep working hard."

As CHAN 2024 draws closer, all eyes will be on Mohammed Bajaber—not just as a symbol of Kenya’s next generation, but as a player destined for bigger stages.