Nkana FC defender Harun Shakava says he is happy to be back in the national team fold after being left out in the cold for close to two years
The central defender was recalled to the Harambee Stars squad by coach Francis Kimanzi for the forthcoming friendly match against Mozambique that will be played at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani on Sunday, September 13.
The former Gor Mahia captain was severally overlooked during selection despite his good form at the club level. It was reported that his decision to snub the 2017 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup and the aggrieve manner with which he demanded his allowance was behind his omission from the team.
He is now back in the team and the lanky defender says he is happy to be back. He also thanked national team head coach Francis Kimanzi for granting him a recall.
“I’m grateful and happy to be back in the team. I thank the coach (Francis Kimanzi) for giving me another opportunity. I’ve come here with a lot of motivation and ready to repay the faith the coach has shown in me,” he stated.
He vowed to fight for his place in the team admitting that competition for positions is very stiff.
“So far the training has been fine and the competition is very stiff, but I will continue working hard and pushing myself. We hope for the best,” he added.
Harambee Stars players in camp
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno (Red Arrow, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Faruk Shikalo (Young Africans, Tanzania)
Defenders
Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Harun Shakava (Nkana, Zambia), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Yusuf Mainge (FK Pohronie, Slovakia), Hillary Wandera (Tusker, Kenya), Erick Ouma (Vasalunds IF, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya)
Midfielders
Anthony Akumu (Zesco United, Zambia), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Duke Abuya (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspurs, England), Cliffton Miheso (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Cliff Nyakeya (FC Masr, Egypt), Whyvone Isuza (AFC Leopards, Kenya)
Forwards
Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol), Jesse Were (Zesco United, Zambia), Enosh Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)