Iran planning for training camp in Kenya

Iranian Ambassador to Kenya Jaffar Barmaki has said that Iran Football Federation is mooting plans to have a training tour for Team Melli in Kenya.

Barmaki revealed that if all goes according to plans, the camp will be set in the capital Nairobi to promote friendly relations between the two countries.

The Ambassador added that the Iran team would also arrange friendlies with other African nations during the camp.

“I was in touch with the Iran Football Federation.Maybe we will have a team have a camp here and to hold friendly matches with Kenya and African teams,” he said.

Barmaki also disclosed his expectations about Iran’s upcoming international friendly against Kenya set for Tuesday, March 28, in Tehran.

“We expect to see an excellent match.No matter who is going to win, but the matter is they have a good game and fair play.

It is perfect for both sides to have a good experience out of that match,” he added.

Harambee Stars departed to Iran on Sunday morning, where Barmaki was part of the officials who went to see off the team at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The contingent is expected to land in Tehran at 10 am local time, and they will hold a light training session on Monday morning.

The match between the two sides will be played Tuesday evening at Azadi Stadium from 7 pm East Africa Time.

The match is expected to allow national team head coach Engin Firat to assess the team's strength going into the future.

Iran, a familiar face in the Fifa World Cup, is ranked 24th, while Kenya is ranked 101 globally.

Harambee Stars squad for Iran friendly:

 Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi, Ian Otieno, Bryne Odhiambo

Daniel Sakari, Eric Ouma, Johnstone Omurwa, David Ochieng, Brian Mandela, Joseph Okumu, Daniel Anyembe, Abud Omar

Amos Nondi, Wilkims Ochieng, Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Teddy Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Victor Omune, Abdallah Hassan

Elvis Rupia, Alfred Scriven, Michael Olunga, Masud Juma