Rashid Mahazi has expressed interest in playing for the national football team Harambee Stars.Mahazi, born of a Kenyan father Abdul Mahazi (RIP) and Australian mother Naomi Wood, recently joined Australian topflight side Western Sydney Wanderers ahead of the 2018/19 Hyundai A-League season.
He joined the Wanderers from Victorian National Premier League club Moreland Zebras.A combative midfielder who can also play in defence, Mahazi could be a good addition to Sebastien Migne’s side especially at right back where Joakins Atudo and Philemon Otieno have been used a makeshift fullbacks.
Mahazi has expressed his interest to play for Harambee stars as they prepare to face Ethiopia for their third Afcon campaign which will be played in Addis Ababa. The return match is supposed to be played in Kasarani on Sunday. A win and a draw in , that is four points are enough to make Harambee stars qualify for the Afcon which they last participated in 2004 under Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee.
It will be a great to represent the country of birth of my father because he played a very big role in my football career until his demise last year. It’s the best way to honour him.
“I am more comfortable in midfield but I can also play at fullback. As a young boy I played as a winger so I can adapt well to playing out on the wing,” Mahazi said.
The interest of Mahazi to join the national team will boast the team experience in addition with the local players who league for different clubs in the country. If Mahazi is picked will join the likes of Olunga who play international football among others.
The 26-year-old has a wealth of experience in the Hyundai A-League, having played in over 90 matches for Melbourne Victory, winning both the Championship and Premiership in 2014/15 as well as the FFA Cup in 2015 before taking time off professional football to concentrate on his studies.
The desire of Rashid Mahazi to play for Kenya is so much welcomed. Other Kenyan Footballers such as Divock Origi decided to play for Belgium other than Kenya. This shows his patriotism for Kenya. Other Kenyans such as Arnold Origi acquired Swiss Citizenship and retired from national football as the team first goal keeper.
It feels good to be back in the A-league. I want to work hard and see whether I will be considered for the national team. The door is open for both Kenya and Australia at the moment,” added Mahazi who has also had stints in Argentina with Independiente and River Plate.
Western Sydney Wanderers is also home to another Harambee Stars prospect Bruce Kamau. Kamau has however featured for Australia at Under 23 level in the 3-1 win over Syria U23 in January.
Mahazi will add experience in the Kenyan defense line if considered in the upcoming competitions in which Kenya will be playing in. All eyes are set on how Kenya will play against Ethiopia despite numerous challenges experienced by the players.
Harambee stars coach Migne who is unpaid expressed his deep courage to the team ahead of their clash against Ethiopia . The coach said the team is in good form to humiliate Ethiopia in their home ground. The last team both team met was in Kenya for a friendly where the game ended 1-1.
