Mulee warns foreign-based players

Jacob Mulee coach of Kenya

Wednesday Mar 31, 2021. 12:00

Kenya national team coach Jacob Mulee has warned his foreign-based players that they will no longer be guaranteed a place in the Harambee Stars.

In concluding their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign in the past week, ‘Ghost’ opted against selecting the likes of Victor Wanyama, Eric Johana, Johanna Omolo, Ayub Timbe, Arnold Origi and Patrick Matasi.

2022 AFCON QUALIFIERS GROUP STANDINGS

Instead, players from the Kenyan Premier League were given an opportunity to showcase their abilities, and they vindicated the coach’s faith, particularly in an away win over Togo on Monday.

“In my team, I don’t have stars but performing players,” Mulee is quoted by Goal.

“Look at the players we left out, they are not playing at their clubs more often. They do not have playing time; why should I consider them while we have those who are consistently performing for their teams?

“As long as you are playing and delivering for your club, it means you are ready to be considered. I will not call you in the team just because you are abroad. Currently, my stars are those who did the job in Togo.

“However, they have to remain consistent at club level to be considered in the forthcoming assignments.”

Mulee has also spoken about the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, where Kenya are in Group E alongside Mali, Uganda, and Rwanda.

“Regarding the World Cup qualifiers, we cannot rely on Fifa rankings; Mali are a good side, same with Uganda and we all know Rwanda are coming up well,” the coach continued.

“All our opponents were part of the African Nations Championship, but looking at our team, players are hungry for success and it will play a massive role in helping us perform better.

“We will create a stronger team with the players who are playing abroad.”