AFCON 2027 a catalyst to stiff league competition, says Coach Muhiddin

Former Harambee Stars head coach Twahir Muhiddin is predicting very stiff competition in the Kenyan Premier League when the new season kicks-off in August.

Twahir who also coached AFC Leopards and Bandari, believes the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] 2027 will be the catalyst to the stiff challenge as players push to catch the eye of national team selectors.

Kenya’s Harambee Sstars are bound to compete in the tourney by virtue of being hosts. The same will apply to Tanzania’s Tiafa Stars and Uganda Cranes – the other co-hosts

 “The league was very competitive because of the improvement of most of the players and coaches. I can assure you that it is going to be much tougher next season thanks to AFCON 2027 where players will want to impress Harambee Stars head coach Benni MCcarthy for selection…”

Last season we saw competitiveness, different from the previous seasons, and we are very hopeful that every team will make adjustments to their squads in readiness for what is coming ahead of us,” Twahir said.

The soft-spoken tactician has also backed APS Bomet to turn up in style next season after doing enough to avoid the chop.

“The season was very good and teams managed to give their all. I can say that my surprise team was APS Bomet who fought and worked harder to avoid relegation despite being in the top-tier league for their first time,” Twahir added.

Bomet finished 10th in the 18-team standings with 44 points, six above the relegation red-line, managing to retain their top-flight football next season at the expense of Kariobangi Sharks, Bidco United and Sofapaka who dropped to the National Super League.

For MCarthy, call-ups will most likely be based on form, blend of foreign and local players, as the players bid to represent the nation at Africa’s grandest football stage.