'Would Be Foolish Not to Include Him' - Benni McCarthy Clarifies Masoud Juma's Inclusion in Harambee Stars' CHAN 2024 Squad

Nairobi, July 23, 2025 — Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has shed light on the surprise inclusion of Masoud Juma in Kenya’s provisional squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, a tournament the country will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.

Juma, 28, was a notable absentee from the domestic scene for several years, last featuring in the Kenyan Premier League in 2017 with Kariobangi Sharks. 

Since then, the forward has played across several continents, including recent stints in Libya, Morocco, and most recently Iran, where he turned out for Esteghlal FC in the 2024/2025 season, scoring two goals in 11 appearances.

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However, reports began circulating last week that Juma was in talks with KCB FC for a potential return to domestic football.

 Now, McCarthy has confirmed that the striker has signed for a club in the National Super League, making him eligible for CHAN 2024, which is restricted to players active in their respective domestic leagues.

“Yes, Masoud Juma was one of the players we were informed had returned to Kenya. He signed with a club—either in the first or second division, I’m not entirely sure—but the important thing is that he is now officially registered in the league and therefore eligible to play,” McCarthy said during a media briefing.

“That gives me the option to include him in the national team squad if I choose to do so.”

McCarthy, who previously coached Juma during a stint at Cape Town City FC in South Africa, said the striker’s experience and versatility make him a valuable asset—especially within a young and developing Harambee Stars setup.

“I know Juma very well. He was part of my group during a previous international camp and played an important role in the team. In fact, when I was coaching in South Africa, I was the one who signed him for Cape Town City, so I’m well aware of his qualities,” he explained.

“As a coach, when a player of that caliber is available and eligible, it wouldn’t be smart not to consider him.”

McCarthy confirmed that he personally spoke to Juma, who verified that he had completed registration with a local club, which transitioned him from an international player to a local one—thus clearing the CHAN eligibility requirement.

“After many years playing abroad—in Asia, Africa, and the Arab region—he’s now back in Kenya, and he brings a wealth of experience. We have a number of young players in the squad, and someone like Masoud can be a great mentor to them,” the coach added.

“We’re currently monitoring his form and fitness in training. If he continues to perform at the level we expect, we will absolutely include him in the squad.”

Masoud Juma’s football journey began at Shabana FC and later Bandari, but it was at Kariobangi Sharks where he truly made his mark—finishing as the KPL Golden Boot winner in 2017. 

His form earned him a move abroad, leading to spells in South Africa (Cape Town City), Libya (Al-Nasr Benghazi), Morocco (Difaa El Jadida), Al-Faisaly (Saudi Arabia), and eventually Iran (Esteghlal FC).

Juma has also featured regularly for the national team in previous years, earning praise for his sharp finishing and work rate. His return to the local scene could provide a crucial experience boost to a youthful Harambee Stars side aiming to impress on home soil at CHAN 2024.