Firat hopeful of securing Anyembe's release

Harambee Stars defender Daniel Anyembe (left) in action against South Sudan's Tito Okello during their international friendly match at Kasarani Stadium on September 12. [FKF Media]

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is optimistic of having Viborg FF right back Daniel Anyembe in the team ahead of Monday's friendly match against Russia, in Antalya, Turkey.

The national team kicked off their preparations for the build up match in Antalya yesterday.

But Anyembe, who has been a revelation for Stars in the last two friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan, could not be named in the initial traveling team as he had not been given permission by his Danish Superliga club.

"We wanted to have Anyembe in camp, but his club was reluctant to release him. We have communicated to them officially and we hope that we'll have him here in time for the match on Monday," said Firat.

Fourteen players who formed the first batch that traveled to Antalya on Monday held their first training session yesterday morning.

The players include goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, Brian Bwire, Bryne Odhiambo, Daniel Sakari, Vincent Harper, Amos Nondi, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Alpha Onyango, Ovella Ochieng, Alfred Scriven, Cliffton Miheso, and Moses Shummah.

French-based defender Joseph Okumu, Brian Mandela, Collins Sichenje, Erick Ouma, Rooney Onyango, Masoud Juma, and Michael Olunga were due to link up with the team yesterday. Estrela da Amadora defender Johnstone Omurwa and China-based winger Ayub Timbe, are expected in camp.