Exclusive: Kahiro Hoping to Make Kenya's CHAN Squad After a Great Start to the Season

KCB  striker Francis Kahiro hopes to be named in the Kenya national team Harambee Stars squad for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament to be co-hosted in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania .  

The forward, who scored the opener during the Bankers 2-1 win over Talanta in the FKF Premier League on Friday, to ensure they opened a  five-point gap over second-placed Mara Sugar FC, will be hoping to continue his momentum with the national team.

 EYEING GOLDEN BOOT

The FKF Premier League top scorer with six goals, has been in a scintillating form, continuing from where he left during the 2024/2025 season, where he featured for Bandari, before rejoining the Bankers.

Kahiro  who was in Harambee Stars squad for the CHAN qualifying fixtures against South Sudan believes his work rate is high and all the coaches can see, and they’ll decide if he gets the nod.

He told SportsBoom.co.za: “I am enjoying myself and my team mates have made it easier to get results, and as we chase KPL league title for the first time, I will also be hoping to get the chance to represent my mother land at home during our maiden CHAN.”

TALANTA A HARD NUT TO CRACK

Kahiro says Talanta were a hard nut to crack but their resilience and determination to get the three points ensured they grabbed the important win courtesy of a Maurice Owino's last minute goal.

“Every team steps on the pitch to win and Talanta who were determined to win gave us a great challenging but we triumphed due to our determination, and team work. “ added the forward.

 KAHIRO PRAISES  TEAMMATE KINYANJUI

Kahiro 25, his synergy with former schoolmate James Kinyanjui has helped him get on the scoresheet more often and his ‘friend’ is key to his sterling form this season. 

“We schooled with Kinyanjui and also played with him at Bandari, he knows my runs and my positioning in the box, making our chemistry work, and  I thank him for the part he has played in our wins and my goals”said Kahiro.

Last season, the Bankers struggled to make a mark in the league but have had an almost perfect start to the season, something that excites current boss Patrick Odhiambo. “Winning is more important because it helps you express yourself well,” he said. 

“We know that there are a few things we need to do to ensure that we at least challenge for the title, hopefully we continue with the same momentum,”Odhiambo concluded.