Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has shared some news about striker Masud Juma’s inclusion in the national team squad for the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament, even though Kenya ultimately decided to pull out of the competition.
Juma was part of the Harambee Stars squad that left the country on Sunday, July 20, heading to the tournament in Tanzania. When speaking to journalists on Wednesday, July 23, at Nyayo Stadium, McCarthy explained that Juma had just signed with a local club, which made him eligible to represent Kenya.
“Masud Juma reached out to us and let us know he was back in Kenya. He signed with a second or third-division team, so I had every right to include him in the squad,” McCarthy said with enthusiasm.
Benni has always admired Juma and coached him during their time together at Cape Town City in South Africa, where he brought Juma on board back in 2018. “I know firsthand what he brings to the team. I coached him in South Africa, and he has a lot of talent. I’m very familiar with his strengths,” McCarthy added.
Juma is no stranger to the spotlight, having once topped the FKF Premier League scoring charts with Kariobangi Sharks. His career has taken him across Africa and Asia, where he has played for clubs in Morocco, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
McCarthy believes that Juma’s extensive experience will be a fantastic asset for the young Harambee Stars squad. “He’s been away from Kenya for quite a while and has gained so much experience.
We have some talented young players, and having someone like Masud around can be a wonderful mentoring opportunity. Ignoring players of his caliber would be unwise,” McCarthy noted. “If he keeps up his good form in training, he’s definitely going to be part of the squad!”
With key forwards Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro recently signing with Zambia’s Power Dynamos, McCarthy is eager to bolster his attacking options. If Juma makes the final squad, fans can look forward to seeing him lead the frontline alongside David Sakwa and Ryan Ogam!
