Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is confident Kenya will benefit tremendously from their upcoming international friendly with Russia.
The men's national team will flex muscles with the Sbornaya at the Titanic Mardan Stadium in Antalya, Turkey, during the Fifa international break on October 16.
Firat spoke in an exclusive interview on Sunday moments after unveiling a stellar list of 23 players who will hoist the nation's flag against the revered European football powerhouse.
Harambee Stars will travel to Turkey in two groups, with the first batch expected to leave on Monday. The remaining players will link up with the rest of the squad on Tuesday.
"It's important for our players to play tough friendlies to increase their competitiveness on the international stage," Firat remarked.
"I'm pleased the chance has finally presented itself to rub elbows with one of the most prestigious football teams in the world. We are prepared to take advantage of it to the fullest extent possible," Firat said.
"Our objective is to get the team in perfect shape for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers later in the year," Firat said.
Although Russia have never won the World Cup, they have cemented their status as a formidable force in the premier global quadrennial extravaganza.
Additionally, they boast two Olympics titles in 1956 and 1988, and a European Championships title in 1960.
The upcoming clash will take place against the backdrop of Russia's recent isolation by the international community for war crimes committed against humanity in the aftermath of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
The nation has, subsequently been barred from participating in all Fifa and UEFA competitions, including the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Firat's roster is a mix of youth and experience, with Vincent Harper and Rooney Onyango the most recent additions to the national team. The Turkish coach has picked a three-man goalkeeping unit made up of players from Kenyan Premier League clubs.
Harambee Stars are set to return to the international stage in November for the 2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers.
They have been drawn in Group F, alongside Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire. Group winners will secure automatic qualification to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
In addition, the four best runners-up from each group will advance to the CAF Play-Off event, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the World Cup.
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi, Brian Bwire, Bryne Odhiambo; Defenders: Joseph Stanley Okumu, Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje, Erick Ouma, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari, Vincent Harper, Amos Nondi; Midfielders: Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Alpha Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Ovella Ochieng; Forwards: Masoud Juma, Alfred Scriven, Cliffton Miheso, Moses Shummah and Michael Olunga
