Harambee Stars Forward Discloses Why He Answered Benni McCarthy’s Call Over Big-Money Move Abroad

While a number of Harambee Stars players have been leaving camp after landing transfers abroad, one of them has opted to put a big-money move on hold for CHAN 2024.

With Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy dealing with disruptions of key players leaving his CHAN 2024 camp after securing transfers abroad, one player has been an exception.

McCarthy has already seen strikers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro leave his team for paid ranks abroad, after sealing deals with Zambian champions Power Dynamos, while winger Mohammed Bajaber is the latest to decamp after securing a transfer to Tanzanian giants Simba.

However, Posta Rangers forward Felix Oluoch is the exception as he made a major U-turn on a move abroad after receiving a late national team call-up.

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Oluoch was already on his way to Zimbabwe to join Scottland FC but when he was called up by McCarthy, he changed his plans, opting to join the national team over the transfer abroad.

"I received the Harambee Stars call-up when I was on my way to the airport for my scheduled flight to Zimbabwe. I was to link up with my new team-mates, but immediately after the call, I cancelled the flight and reported to camp,” the former Kariobangi Sharks star told Mozzart Sport.

Why Did Oluoch Put on Hold Transfer to Zimbabwe?

Oluoch was the beneficiary of Shumah and Osoro’s departure, earning a call-up alongside veteran striker Masoud Juma, and it did not take long before McCarthy was convinced that he was a right fit for his team.

"I was prepared for anything. I had already decided that if I didn’t get the call, I would pursue my move abroad. But I had also promised myself that if the opportunity came, I would grab it without hesitation,” added Oluoch, who impressed the Harambee Stars coach during a closed-door friendly against Kariobangi Sharks Legends.

"I trained with the team for just an hour after that game, and the coach told me not to go home, that I was in his plans for the then anticipated trip to Tanzania. It shows that the coach knows exactly what he’s looking for,” Oluoch further said.

Oluoch is among the players who were named in McCarthy’s final 25-man CHAN 2024 squad and will be hoping to get opportunities to shine and impress his suitors as Kenya begin their campaign against DR Congo on Sunday.