This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
Kenya's national team, Harambee Stars, will face Tanzania in the 2020 CHAN qualifiers on Sunday, July 28, 2019, without Sofapaka striker John Avire and unattached Paul Were.
Avire is reportedly on his way to join a foreign club, while Migne claims he is unaware of Avire's current location.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, July 25, 2019, during the team's evening training session, coach Sebastien Migne acknowledged the loss of the two players as a significant blow, especially considering the strong opposition from Tanzania.
"There is a lot of work to do because I have lost some of the best players to foreign leagues that we had planned for this competition. It is however a chance for new players to show me what they can offer," Migne said.
He added, "We keep monitoring players and are open to changes because times change. Last year everyone was talking about Rupia (Elvis). Where is he today?"
Before the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) in June, Migne had named Avire, Were, Francis Kahata, and Cliff Nyakeya in his squad, but Kahata and Nyakeya have since joined foreign clubs in Tanzania and Egypt, respectively, leaving Migne with fewer attacking options.
Another blow came in the retirement of Kakamega Homeboyz's Allan Wanga, who announced his retirement from international duty earlier this month.
Ulinzi Stars marksman Enosh Ochieng, Gor Mahia's Nicholas Kipkirui, and Wazito's Piston Mutamba are now among the attackers primed to compete for starting berths against Tanzania.
Despite the changes, Migne has promised to go for maximum points in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
"You go into every match targeting to win. There are two legs therefore the first result does not seal everything. I know Tanzania have eight players who were in Cairo but I'm not under pressure, maybe Kenyan journalists are under pressure," Migne said firmly.
Notably, in training was Clifton Miheso, whose last club he featured for was in Portugal, meaning he cannot play for Stars on Sunday unless he signs for a local side before the match.
