Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has revealed why he chose Iran in their international friendly that is slated to take place on 28th March in Tehran, Iran.
Speaking during the FKF Press conference on Sunday, Firat praised Iran as a formidable opponent that was going to give Kenya a reality check of where they are.
“Look, Iran is a really good footballing country with a quality attack led by players like Sarkar Amount, Lairize Jahankbaksh, and Mehdi Taremi whom we have seen in Europe,” Firat stated. “That’s the level of an opponent I want myself and my players to face.
He reiterated that he was now going to focus on higher FIFA-ranked opponents rather than the typical similar-ranked teams with Harambee Stars.
“I understand how we have looked at things in the past, always looking at results and going with the easy and winnable fixtures, that’s not what I am about.” He added
Additionally, Firat is hoping that Harambee Stars will give a good account of themselves against Iran.
“Unity, mentality, physicality, and tactical readiness,” Firat said. “I need to risk. That’s what you get from a team that is top in Asia, played in the World Cup, and is 24th in the world.
“I want to put early pressure on the players so that they can learn. It is not about results. That takes it as a fact.”
