EXCLUSIVE: Harambee Stars lose influential player days to CHAN
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 28.07.25. | 15:56
His departure comes just days before Kenya kicks off their CHAN campaign against two-time champions DR Congo on August 3
Harambee Stars will head into the African Nations Championship (CHAN) without the services of attacking midfielder Mohammed Bajaber, who has completed a high-profile move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
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The influential playmaker has signed a two-year deal with the record Tanzanian champions and is expected to exit the national team camp later today to join his new teammates ahead of their pre-season tour of Egypt.
Bajaber’s departure comes just days before Kenya kicks off their CHAN campaign against two-time champions DR Congo on August 3.
His presence in the squad had been a key talking point, particularly after head coach Benni McCarthy strongly defended his inclusion despite lingering concerns over the player’s fitness.
McCarthy, who had expressed confidence in having the former Nairobi City Stars midfielder available for the tournament, had revealed that Bajaber had been training individually to regain full match sharpness.
The South African tactician must now adjust his plans, with Bajaber becoming the third key player to exit the camp.
Two weeks ago, forwards Emmanuel Osoro and Moses Shummah sealed moves to Zambian Premier League clubs, leaving the Stars' technical bench with more decisions to make just days to the continental showdown.
Sources indicate that Simba beat off stiff competition from domestic rivals Azam FC to land Bajaber, reportedly meeting the valuation set by Police FC with a multi-million-shilling bid.
The move comes as Simba overhaul their squad following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign in which arch-rivals Yanga SC swept all major domestic honours.
Bajaber's stock rose sharply last season as he played a pivotal role in helping Police clinch their first-ever Premier League title.
He further cemented his reputation with a stunning debut goal for Harambee Stars during the 2026 World Cup qualifier against The Gambia in March.
In a swift response to the latest departure, attacking midfielder Brian Michira was handed a late call-up on Sunday night and is expected to step directly into Bajaber’s place in the squad.
