Why Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo is confident about Benni McCarthy and the new FKF office.
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo has explained why he believes the team has what it takes to be able to achieve a historic 2026 World Cup qualification as they prepare to take on The Gambia and Gabon.
Stars will be travelling to Gambia to take on the Scorpions, managed by former Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry on March 20, before facing Gabon in Nairobi four days later in what will be the first competitive match Harambee Stars has played in the country since November 2021.
Shikalo was one of five goalkeepers called up by Benni McCarthy, who took time to assess the squad from the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi this June, but he will be expected to narrow down the size of the squad to 24 this week.
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Speaking from the training base, Shikalo, who was part of the Stars squad that took part in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, opened up on the nature of McCarthy’s training sessions so far.
“Everything in training has been okay. The boys are ready to go and fight out there,” Shikalo said.
“Everyone knows the task at hand and everyone would want to help Kenya make history by qualifying for the World Cup in 2026,” Shikalo said.
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Shikalo praised the new leadership at Football Kenya Federation under the leadership of Hussein Mohammed and former midfielder McDonald Mariga for making changes aimed at progressing Kenya’s football, including the appointment of McCarthy and his South African coaching staff.
“The fans have a lot of expectations. There is a fresh start in the federation which is good because it shows things are coming,” Shikalo said.
“The fans need to continue supporting us because there are good things coming. This new federation has fresh ideas and given the coaches they have brought and the plans they have for us and so I am sure we will make Kenyans happy.”
Shikalo’s career has seen him represent various clubs, including Tusker, Bandari, Young Africans SC in Tanzania, and Mtibwa Sugar.
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The vocal shotstopper was part of Kenya’s squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and earned the FKF Premier League Golden Glove award for the 2018/2019 season.
After a stint with KCB FC, he rejoined Bandari in 2025, aiming to strengthen their goalkeeping unit