The Harambee Stars were dealt a blow on Monday, July 29, ahead of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 opener against the Democratic Republic of the Congo after attacking midfielder Mohammed Bajaber withdrew from the competition due to competition rules.
The 23-year-old secured a move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC, just five days before the tournament’s start, leaving coach Benni McCarthy with the uphill task of readjusting his squad at the last minute.
One of the key reasons why Bajaber, who was considered a potential game-changer for the Harambee Stars, can no longer participate in the CHAN 2024 is because of the strict eligibility rules in place.
According to CAF regulations, only players active in their domestic leagues can participate in the CHAN 2024. Bajaber’s move to Simba SC from maiden Kenya Premier League winners Police FC effectively rendered him a non-local player.
Initially, Bajaber had earned an inevitable call-up to the Harambee Stars squad thanks to impressive performances for Kenya Police, earning him a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in Kenyan football.
His move abroad, however, has rendered him ineligible for the continental spectacle, with Benni McCarthy calling up Shabana FC midfielder Brian Michira as his replacement.
Notably, Bajaber becomes the latest among a number of Kenyan players who have lost their place in the Harambee Stars’ squad for CHAN 2024 following a move abroad. Earlier in July, Emmanuel Osoro and Moses Shummah also secured moves to Zambian clubs, effectively ruling them out of the competition.
Another little-known but important rule is the age limit for players participating in the championships. While the age limit is not as strict as other competitions, players are supposed to be over 18 years old but under the age of 35 by the time the tournament begins.
This mix is to ensure the competition has a combination of youthful energy as well as experience on the pitch, while also eliminating the prospect of having players who are well past their prime taking the place of young prospects.
Since CHAN is an African competition, limiting the tournament to local players provides opportunities for players who might not be playing for major clubs overseas to represent their countries on a continental stage in a move that organisers believe is crucial for growing football within African nations and giving local players exposure.
With only five days to the start of the tournament, McCarthy will hope there are no more surprises that can potentially derail Kenya’s campaign.
Since each team can only select 23 players (11 starters, five substitutes and seven reserve players), teams will be unable to expand their squad size in the event of injuries or sudden withdrawals due to other unique circumstances.
