According to Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat, the Harambee team will only be ready to play at the elite level for over a year.

PHOTO | COURTESY Firat says Stars needs one year to be fit for any competitions

The strategist feels there is still much work to be done with the team following Tuesday night's 2-1 friendly loss to Iran in Tehran.

"We will be prepared in a year, but right now there is still more work to be done. After the game in Iran, the coach observed, "We need more time to develop.

"I always said we needed time for these boys," he continued. It had been a while since they last played together, and they were up against a formidable opponent in Iran. It was destined to be challenging. But, I am pleased with how they performed and battled for everything".

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The coach continued, "We were unfortunate to lose, but in the end everyone recognizes that we have a clear path to pursue."

As they have been eliminated from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, stars will likely be out of competitive football for the next eight months.

PHOTO | COURTESY Harambee stars lost 2-1 to Iran in a friendly match

The 2024 Africa National Championship (CHAN), open to players with local addresses, will be the next competition in Stars' sights.

Firat also maintains that Daniel Anyembe and Alfred Scriven need more time to integrate with the team while expressing satisfaction with their cameo efforts.

"It takes time for someone who is from Europe to adjust. I'm glad they made their debut tonight, and I hope there will be many more,"

Iran defeated Kenya 2-1 in a friendly international game in Tehran thanks to a goalkeeping error by Patrick Matasi six minutes from time. Ramin Razaeian scored a goal from close range to give Iran the victory.

PHOTO | COURTESY from left, Stars captain Michael Olunga, goalkeeper Patrick Matasi and mid-fielder Richard Odada during a friendly match at Tehran in Iran

Following Michael Olunga's second-half goal for the Stars, Iran tied the score with Mohammad Mohebi's header from a Razaeian free kick in the 76th minute.

Stars had established a strong presence early in the game, playing tightly behind the ball to slow Iran's brisk pace.

After ten minutes, Shahriyar Moghanlou picked up the ball from a distance and attempted to score for the home team, but his effort exceeded the crossbar.