Masud: It's time for Kenyans to believe in us

Harambee Stars Masud Juma and Coach Engin Firat during a press conference at Swiss Hotel in preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers to be played this month. Nov 12, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Stars striker Masud Juma has urged all Kenyans to believe in them as they begin their 2026 World Cup journey on Thursday.

The Al Faisaly striker yesterday called for national unity in terms of supporting the players and technical bench ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers match against Gabon.

“You guys just need to believe in us. We have the ability and the coach who can help us achieve consistency. This time you will see the real team because I trust the technical bench has been working with familiar faces who now have chemistry and we will not disappoint you,” said Masud.

Kenya has been drawn in Group F of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.

Juma, who was questioned on his desired playing position in the national team, said he is putting Harambee Stars first and will play anywhere he is asked to play on the front lie.

Naturally, Masud is a centre forward, a position he has played for years in Morroco and now Saudi Arabia.

“As a professional player, you have to adapt to the coach’s tactics and formation and make sure you fit in and produce. My job at Harambee Stars is to help the team achieve its set goals and I am ready to put the team first and not my playing position,” said Juma.

Harambee Stars forward Masud Juma in action during their friendly match against Russia, at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey on October 16, 2023. [FKF Media]

The Saudi Arabia-based forward added that the high intensity international friendly matches against Qatar and Russia the past two months have helped the team in terms of their approach t games.

“We are a better team now compared to the past years. We have that big game experience which was lacking in the past and now we know what to do when we play these high stake matches and I trust we will do better against Gabon and Seychelles,” added the Al Faisaly player.

Gor Mahia defender Rooney Onyango added that the team is currently motivated with healthy competition of places between players as he outlined his goal to continue growing as a player.

“I still want to grow and that’s why I am willing to put in more work for the team. I love the competition in the team which will definitely bring the best out of me but also my fellow teammates,” said Onyango who has helped K’Ogalo in the FKF Premier League.

Meanwhile, Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has said that Kenya is facing an injury crisis in the defense but said they can adapt with a host of available quality players.

Joseph Okumu got a knock in his last league game and had an MRI today, Daniel Anyembe is also injured, while Brian Mandela has been named in the team.