Masoud ready to lead Stars in AFCON action

Kenya’s Masoud Juma in past action against Libya at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Masoud Juma is excited to have made it to the final team that will feature in next week’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.

Though he has been un-attached for close to six months, Juma insists he still has something to offer to the team.

Juma also said he is not bothered too much with those doubting his ability to help the national team, and said he can’t wait for the tournament to start.

“There are those who have been saying that I don’t deserve to be in the team but I am telling them to wait and see what I can do, if given a chance to play in the tournament,” he said.

He pointed out that he had featured in two of the five qualification matches Harambee Stars took part in before qualifying to play in the Egypt Afcon Finals.

“The matches, I took part in, I was on the pitch for atleast one hour. There is no way the coach was wrong about me on those occasions. So I am not really disturbed by what others are saying. I am looking at myself and how best I can get better for the sake of the team.”

“Most people are forgetting that after leaving South Africa, I went to the United Arab Emirates and scored 12 goals in 15 matches. I want to be judged based on the good I have done and there are plenty.”

Masoud said he believes Harambee Stars will not just be competing in this tournament but can make it to the quarter-final stage.

“Most people fear Algeria but we don’t. We will be 11 players each on the pitch and what matters is who wants victory more and in this case, we want it more.

“We have a good atmosphere in camp and a sense of brotherhood which will propel us to greater heights in the tournament.”