Africa-Press – Kenya. Murang’a Seal head coach Osborne Monday has urged Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy to consider league top scorer Joe Waithira for a national team call-up.
Waithira, who leads the SportPesa Premier League scoring charts with 15 goals, was notably left out of the squad that travelled to Rwanda for the FIFA Series 2026, sparking debate.
Speaking after Murang’a Seal’s 1-0 loss to Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium, Monday questioned the omission. “Waithira is a complete striker. He deserves a call-up to the national team.
The top scorers in the league are always considered, and players from teams like Murang’a Seal should also get opportunities,” he said.
The match was decided in the first half, with defender Wycliffe Omondi netting the lone goal for Shabana. Monday lamented missed chances, pointing to a lack of supply to his main striker.
“Shabana got their chance and utilised it. We created opportunities but failed to convert. In the first half, Joe was not getting enough service,” he added.
The coach downplayed a heated exchange involving his players and goalkeeper Eric Ongiri, saying such incidents are part of the game. “Everyone wants to win. Sometimes those things happen,” he noted.
Monday also admitted that the departure of winger Paul Osama to Swedish third-tier side Enköpings SK has left a significant gap in the squad. “It’s a big blow for us, but also a big step for him. He has worked hard and deserves the move,” he said.
On the other side, Shabana interim coach Andrew Ongwae praised his team’s execution despite difficult playing conditions, ending a two-match winless run.
“We had plan A and plan B, and both worked. We managed to contain Murang’a Seal in all departments,” said Ongwae, who secured his first win in charge.
He added that his immediate focus is to stabilise the team and improve their league standing. Ongwae also singled out goalkeeper Speten Ochieng for praise, tipping him for the Golden Glove after recording 12 clean sheets.
“He is firmly in the race. I urge him to keep working hard. The defence also did a superb job today,” he said.
