Harambee Stars defender Abud Omar believes the inclusion of foreign-based players in the national team setup will play a key role in raising competition and improving overall standards as Kenya intensifies preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the Pamoja 2027 banner.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has recently stepped up efforts to recruit foreign-based players of Kenyan origin, a move that is already bearing fruit in the current Harambee Stars squad in Kigali, Rwanda, for the FIFA Series.
The latest call-ups have seen Grimsby Town defender Clark Oduor return to the national team, while Zech Obiero of Leyton Orient, currently on loan at Tranmere Rovers, has earned his maiden call-up. Kenya is set to face Estonia in their opening match of the FIFA Series before taking on either Grenada or hosts Rwanda in the second fixture.
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The federation’s scouting mission in Europe, led by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga, team manager Nick Kimathi, and FKF NEC member Abdalla Yusuf, also engaged several players of Kenyan descent.
Among those approached were Andre Gitau of FSV Mainz 05, Linton Maina of FC Köln, Silko Thomas Otieno of Leicester City, Tyler Onyango of Everton, and Zak Vyner of Wrexham AFC, with discussions reported to be positive as Kenya builds toward AFCON 2027.
Harambee Stars defender Abud Omar backs foreign-based players to raise national team standards
Abud Omar, who currently turns out for Sportpesa League side Kenya Police FC, has welcomed the initiative, noting that foreign-based players bring valuable experience and exposure that can help motivate and uplift local-based players.
The defender, who captained Kenya to the CHAN quarterfinals during the country’s maiden appearance and has previously played in Europe with Sepsi OSK in Romania, Cercle Brugge in Belgium, and Slavia Sofia in Bulgaria, understands the demands of playing at a higher level.
“All the players, as long as you are Kenyan, you are welcome. If you perform well there are people who will be monitoring you, they will see your performance and you will be able to join the national team. It does not matter if you are in Europe or in Africa, as long as the coach has decided to have you here, you are family and we are going to welcome each and every player,” said Abud Omar.
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He further emphasized the importance of learning from players exposed to European football, adding that their presence can inspire others to push harder.
“I know that being in Europe the levels are high, I have been there and I think with them being here they will help us a lot, especially those players who have not been in Europe, as this can motivate them to play well. So I think it is a good thing and they are important players who can help us in this FIFA Series and in the upcoming games,” he added.
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With Harambee Stars entering a crucial phase of rebuilding and strengthening ahead of AFCON 2027, head coach Benni McCarthy will be hoping that the new additions quickly integrate into the squad and deliver positive results in the FIFA Series and future international assignments.
The tournament in Kigali offers an early opportunity for the foreign-based players to prove their worth while giving the technical bench a clearer picture of the team’s progress as Kenya prepares for the continental showpiece on home soil.