Mohammed Bajaber: Returning Forward Reveals Harambee Stars Plan After Year-Long Absence

Harambee Stars starboy Mohammed Bajaber is keen to repay the trust shown in him by head coach Benni McCarthy, who handed him a call-up for the upcoming FIFA Series.

Bajaber has endured a tough 10 months following an injury last June that has hampered him this season, limiting his appearances for Tanzanian giants to just two.

The forward last played for Kenya in March 2025, just after McCarthy arrived, and has been out of the national team setup owing to the injury but even though he is still getting back to his best, the Harambee Stars boss has handed him an opportunity.

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Bajaber admits it has been a tough period but he wants to put all that behind and repay the faith McCarthy has placed in him by calling him up even when not match fit.

“That is football, you have the highs and highs and a year later, it is pretty low, low,” Bajaber told the media on Monday.

“I am dealing with it and trying to get to my best. I have not been playing and I am looking at it as a chance to redeem myself as well not just with Kenya but physically as well.

“Every time someone gives you a chance not just to come and represent your national team you have to be grateful,” he further stated, emphasising the need to grab his opportunity with both hands.

Bajaber joined Simba last July but had to wait until December to make his debut, having been signed while nursing an injury, which he picked when he was still playing for Kenya Police.

The 23-year-old had to endure frustration, watching his new teammates train and then play while he was not able to contribute, and when he was finally handed his debut, it was a memorable one as he scored with his first touch on December 12.

He would drop to the bench for the next two matches before the league took a break and when it resumed in January, Bajaber was handed his first start but lasted just 12 minutes after picking up a thigh injury.

Having recovered from that second setback, the playmaker will now be hoping that the FIFA Series kickstarts his return to full fitness as well as regular football for both club and country.