Harambee Stars captain Aboud Omar says he is still pained by the departure of Mohamed Bajaber, who has completed a move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC just days before the African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Omar, who also played alongside Bajaber at Kenya Police FC, admitted the 22-year-old winger’s absence will be a major blow for the national team ahead of the month-long event that gets underway this weekend.
The move to Tanzania automatically means Bajaber will not put on the Harambee Stars shirt as the championship is strictly for local based players.
“Bajaber was a player we were counting on for the tournament. It’s unfortunate that he won’t be part of the squad for CHAN,” said Omar.
Bajaber has signed a two-year contract with Tanzania giants Simba SC and recently jetted out to Cairo, Egypt, to link up with his new club for pre-season.
According to Tanzanian media, Simba paid Ksh12.9 million to acquire his services, just six months after he joined Police FC from Nairobi City Stars for Ksh1 million.
Despite the disappointment, Omar says he is proud of Bajaber’s move and other players who have secured transfers ahead of CHAN.
“We’re happy for Bajaber and the others who’ve made moves before the tournament. It’s a big step in their careers.”
“They could have stayed and picked up injuries. So it’s a positive thing. We wish them well.”
Harambee Stars head Coach Benni McCarthy acknowledged Bajaber’s contribution but confirmed the winger had been carrying an injury, which complicated his inclusion in the final squad.
“Bajaber was one of our most talented players. I gave him an opportunity, and he’s always been loyal to me and the team.”
“He’s been nursing an injury and we had hoped to use him midway through the group stages. But his fitness remained a concern.”
“He was definitely going to start for us, but in the end, it was a risk having him in the squad. Once we learned of his move, we decided to replace him,” he concluded.
By Benjamin Otieno
