He has signed for a local club: McCarthy explains Masud's surprise inclusion in Harambee Stars squad
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 23.07.25. | 14:20
The South African legend believes Juma’s wealth of experience could be invaluable to a youthful Harambee Stars squad
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has clarified the decision to include striker Masud Juma in the national team squad for the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament, before Kenya eventually pulled out of the competition.
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Juma was part of the Harambee Stars contingent that departed the country on Sunday, July 20, ahead of the regional showpiece, that is ongoing in Tanzania.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, July 23, at Nyayo Stadium, McCarthy revealed that Juma had recently signed with a local club, making him eligible to represent the country in the tournament.
“Masoud Juma got in touch with us and informed us that he was back in Kenya.
He is signed with a second or third-division team here, which makes him eligible to play. So if I wanted to include him in the squad, I was well within my right to do so,” said McCarthy.
A long-time admirer of Juma, McCarthy coached the striker during their stint together at South Africa’s Cape Town City, where he signed the Kenyan forward during his time in charge of the club in 2018.
“Of course, I know what he brings to the table. I coached him in South Africa, and I was the one who brought him to Cape Town City. He is got quality, and I know his strengths very well,” McCarthy added.
Juma, who once topped the FKF Premier League scoring charts with Kariobangi Sharks, has enjoyed a well-travelled career across Africa and Asia, turning out for clubs in Morocco, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
McCarthy believes Juma’s wealth of experience could be invaluable to a youthful Harambee Stars squad.
“He is been out of Kenya for a long time and gained a lot of experience.
We have got some young players in the setup, and someone like Masud can be a good mentor.
You are not a smart coach if you overlook players of his quality,” McCarthy noted.
“If he continues to show good form in training, he will definitely be part of the squad.”
With key forwards Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro having recently joined Zambia’s Power Dynamos, McCarthy is keen to strengthen his attacking options.
Should he make the final squad, Juma is expected to lead the frontline alongside David Sakwa and Ryan Ogam.
