Harambee Stars Boss Benni McCarthy on Plan to Make Mohammed Bajaber Ready For CHAN 2024 Amid Fitness Woe

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has provided a promising fitness update on the progress of Mohammed Bajaber as the team continues its preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 tournament.

Bajaber had been sidelined for two months after sustaining a leg injury while playing for his club, Kenya Police. The injury ruled him out of the recent international break in June, during which Kenya faced Chad in back-to-back friendlies in Morocco.

While Bajaber has remained part of the squad, he has mostly been forced to train separately with a fitness coach. It was only recently that he began training again with the rest of the group.

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Speaking to the media on Wednesday, McCarthy provided an update on Bajaber’s availability, even as he included the midfielder in his final 25-man squad for the upcoming tournament.

"I think Bajaber is ready to integrate with the team, but as a precaution, we want to take our time,” McCarthy said. “He's the kind of player you give every opportunity to be match-ready because you always want him in your squad if he's available.

“We're giving him as much time as possible. He's following individual programs with the fitness trainers and doing gym sessions to ensure he maintains his fitness levels. He’s working hard outside of the main group.”

Bajaber has become an influential member of the Harambee Stars since his standout performance in the 3-3 draw against Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March. Coming off the bench, he won a penalty and scored a sensational goal to help Kenya salvage a crucial point.

Given his growing importance to the national team, McCarthy stressed that Bajaber’s recovery is a priority.

“When the time is right, and we feel he's ready, we’ll integrate him fully into training and matches.

“The goal is to have the best players in Kenya available for the first game—players who can give the team the best chance of winning and qualifying. That’s what we’re doing with Bajaber.”

Kenya have been drawn in Group A of the CHAN 2024 tournament alongside Angola, Morocco, Zambia  Libya and  DR Congo — all strong opponents with continental pedigree.

With Bajaber nearing full fitness and the team showing signs of tactical cohesion under McCarthy, Harambee Stars will be hopeful of making it past the group stage and mounting a deep run in the competition. Much will depend on squad fitness, preparation, and whether key players like Bajaber can hit top form in time.