Joe Waithira breaks silence after Harambee Stars squad omission
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 16.03.26. | 18:38
His absence from the latest Harambee Stars squad quickly became a talking point across Kenyan football circles
Murang’a Seal forward Joe Waithira has broken his silence after missing out on the latest Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming FIFA Series friendlies in Rwanda.
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The red-hot forward stated that while the omission was disappointing, he respects the decision taken by the national team technical bench and will use the setback as motivation to push harder for future selection.
Waithira, who has been in sensational form this season and currently leads the FKF Premier League scoring charts with 13 goals, was notably absent when national team head coach Benni McCarthy unveiled his squad for the international assignments scheduled for the end of the month.
Kenya is set to open its campaign against the Estonian national football team on Friday, 27 March, before facing either the Rwanda national football team or the Grenada national football team in a second match on Monday, 30 March.
His absence quickly became a talking point across Kenyan football circles, with fans and several local coaches arguing that the prolific striker had done enough to merit a call-up following what has been the most productive scoring season of his career.
Despite the growing debate surrounding his omission, the composed forward chose a measured response, acknowledging that representing the national team remains one of his biggest ambitions while maintaining full respect for the technical bench’s decision.
“Although missing out is naturally disappointing, I fully respect the decision made by the coach and the technical bench regarding the squad selection.
I believe the coach has assembled a strong team capable of delivering the results the country expects," he said in an interview with Mozzart Sport.
Waithira further explained that rather than dwell on the disappointment, he intends to channel the experience into improving his game and strengthening his chances of earning a future call-up to the national team.
"For me, this is a moment to go back to the drawing board, work even harder, and improve the areas where I need to grow. I remain confident that my time will come," he added.
The Murang’a Seal striker also extended his support to the players who made the final squad, urging them to represent the country with pride when they take to the field in Rwanda.
"To my fellow players who have been selected, I wish you the very best. Go out there, fly our flag high and make the nation proud."
Harambee Stars squad for FIFA Series
Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno
Defenders
Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police)
Midfielders
Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Richard Odada (FC Uta Arad), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Manzur Suleiman (Stade De Reims)
Attackers
Austine Odhiambo (Nejmeh), William Lenkupae (Unattached), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Mohammed Bajaber (Simba FC), Zech Obiero (Tranmere Rovers), Clarke Oduor (Grimsby Town), Michael Olunga (Al Arabi), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki).
