Aboud Omar Reveals What Mohammed Bajaber's Exit Means for Harambee Stars CHAN Hopes

Harambee Stars captain Aboud Omar has opened up about Mohammed Bajaber’s recent exit from the squad a few days before the African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024).

Mohammed Bajaber had been named in the final squad, and Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy heavily relied on him to make a difference, but he has since jetted out of the country to ink a deal with Tanzania’s Simba SC.

The Kenya Police FC star had also been struggling with an injury and had not fully bounced back to training, and Benni McCarthy was still uncertain about his readiness for the tournament.

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However, his decision to pull out from the tournament further dented Harambee Stars as they look to make a mark in the tournament. Harambee Stars are in Group A, which also consists of DR Congo, Angola, Zambia and Morocco.

Aboud Omar gave a mixed response when asked about Mohammed Bajaber’s departure, acknowledging both the positives and negatives it has brought to the team.

The Kenya Police FC defender pointed out that Mohammed Bajaber was an important player in the squad but also revealed that probably, his injury might not have gotten better, labelling the move as a great one.

“I can say yes and no. Yes, because they are important players and we are dependent on them, but also no, because we are happy for them because they have made a big step,” Aboud Omar told FKF Media.

“Who knows, they might have stayed here and gotten injured. I think it’s a positive thing for them to make the big move.”

Aboud Omar added that the players are ready for the tournament, noting that they have received enough support from the government and the Football Kenya Federation.

He pointed out that a blend of the young and the experienced players will enable them to make an impact, adding that the youngsters will learn from veterans like him.

Omar further noted that coach Benni McCarthy has been very instrumental in training them effectively, as he observed that being in the camp for more than three weeks has yielded great results.

“The squad is good, we have prepared enough, and we are ready for the game on Sunday. We have camped for about three weeks to a month, and we want to thank the coach for preparing us well,” Aboud Omar said.

“I’m proud, it’s not easy to wear the national team jersey and also being the captain, it’s not easy, but we shall work hard to get positive results.

“It’s a good feeling to play at home because I think for the past two or three years, we have been playing our home matches away. Playing back home with the fans is going to motivate us, and we are sure we are going to perform.”

Meanwhile, two other strikers exited the Harambee Stars squad after they sealed moves abroad. Emmanuel Osoro and Moses Shumah inked deals with Zambian side Power Dynamos early this month.