Harambee Stars midfielder Mohammed Bajaber is on a carefully monitored path to full recovery as he continues his preparation for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. After picking up a leg injury in May while playing for Kenya Police FC, Bajaber missed the June international friendlies but has remained part of the national team setup.
For much of the current training camp, the influential midfielder has been working separately from the main group, undergoing individualized sessions with the team’s fitness trainers. Only recently has he resumed training alongside his teammates, raising hopes of being match-ready for the start of the tournament.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy confirmed that Bajaber has been included in the final 25-man squad for CHAN 2024. However, the technical team is adopting a cautious approach to ensure the player is physically prepared before rejoining full-contact training and match action.
According to McCarthy, the priority is to have Bajaber fully ready for the group stage fixtures, given his rising influence within the squad. Bajaber was a standout performer during Kenya’s 3-3 draw against Gambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he came off the bench, won a penalty, and scored a brilliant goal.
“Bajaber is the kind of player you don’t want to rush, but you also want him in your team when it matters,” said McCarthy. “He’s doing gym sessions, individual drills, and working outside the main group to keep his fitness levels up. When the time is right, we’ll reintegrate him fully.”
Kenya has been drawn in a challenging Group A for CHAN 2024, facing Angola, Morocco, Zambia, Libya, and DR Congo all of whom have significant tournament experience. With tactical progress under McCarthy and key players like Bajaber close to full fitness, the team is hopeful of making it past the group stage.
The Harambee Stars’ success in the tournament will depend heavily on squad health, proper conditioning, and the return to form of their top talents. Bajaber’s progress could prove pivotal to Kenya’s hopes of making a deep run in CHAN 2024.
