Former AFC Leopards Coach Insists Harambee Stars Have Enough Talent to Replace Moses Shumah

Moses Shumah has joined Zambian outfit Power Dynamos. Photo: Power Dynamos

Former AFC Leopards Coach Insists Harambee Stars Have Enough Talent to Replace Moses Shumah

Abigael Wafula 11:30 - 10.07.2025

The former Shabana coach believes Harambee Stars can thrive at CHAN despite top scorer Moses Shumah missing out due to his move to Zambia.

Moses Shumah was named in Harambee Stars' provisional squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), but he will have to miss out on the event after signing with Zambian giants Power Dynamos.

The Kakamega Homeboyz striker ended the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League season as the top scorer. He scored 17 goals, one ahead of FC Talanta’s Emmanuel Osoro.

Moving to Zambia has ruled him out of the tournament, which is only set to feature players in domestic leagues.

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With his absence ahead of CHAN, scheduled to be held from August 20 to 30, many have predicted a struggle for Harambee Stars, but former Shabana head coach Gilbert Selebwa thinks otherwise.

In an interview with Citizen Digital, the former AFC Leopards coach insisted that Benni McCarthy and Harambee Stars have nothing to worry about in the absence of the top striker.

Gilbert Selebwa: I Don’t Think It’s A Blow for Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars Photo || IMAGO

Gilbert Selebwa sees Moses Shumah’s absence from Harambee Stars’ squad for CHAN as a chance for others to rise to the occasion, especially talents emerging from the National Super League (NSL).

Selebwa emphasised that it should not only be FKF-PL players who are considered, noting that the NSL also has talent.

He added that if Benni McCarthy looked closely, he would find players capable of wearing the national jersey and representing Kenya with pride.

“I don’t think it’s a blow for Harambee Stars. The coach has options to work with, depending on his tactical plan. Many of the young players he called up can fit into what Benni McCarthy wants to achieve,” Selebwa said.

Harambee Stars will be looking to make a mark in CHAN, since the final of the tournament will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

To get ready for the challenge, Harambee Stars are set to play in the CECAFA four-nations Cup scheduled for July 24 to 27 at the Karatu stadium, Tanzania.