EXPLAINER: Why CHAN Has Locked Out Harambee Stars’ Mohammed Bajaber
The Harambee Stars were handed a blow on Monday, July 28, ahead of their first African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This comes after offensive midfielder Mohammed Bajaber pulled out of the competition owing to competition regulations.
The 23-year-old joined Tanzanian giants Simba SC just five days before the competition began, leaving coach Benni McCarthy with the difficult task of readjusting his squad at the last minute.
One of the main reasons why Bajaber, who was regarded as a possible game-changer for the Harambee Stars, can no longer compete in the CHAN 2024 is due to the tight eligibility regulations in force.
According to CAF regulations, only players participating in their respective domestic leagues are eligible to compete in the CHAN 2024.
𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋
— Jumaah Salumu (@JumaahSalumu) July 28, 2025
Mohammed Bajaber joins Simba SC on a two-year deal! ✍️🦁
The talented midfielder/winger has signed his contract and is now officially a Simba player.
As a result, he will not be eligible to feature in the upcoming CHAN tournament. @goligani @RevocatusMagum1… pic.twitter.com/f7EhFUER0E
Bajaber’s transfer to Simba SC from Kenya Premier League champions Police FC effectively made him a non-local player.
Initially, Bajaber had earned an unavoidable call-up to the Harambee Stars squad following excellent performances for Kenya Police.
The youngster is widely regarded as one of Kenyan football’s finest prospects.
His move outside, however, has rendered him ineligible for the continental event, prompting Benni McCarthy to call up Shabana FC midfielder Brian Michira as a replacement.
Notably, Bajaber is the latest of several Kenyan players to be dropped from the Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 roster due to a move abroad.
Earlier in July, Emmanuel Osoro and Moses Shummah both signed with Zambian clubs, effectively eliminating them from the competition.
Another little-known but crucial guideline is the age limit for championship-level players.
While the age limit is not as rigorous as in other tournaments, players must be at least 18 years old and under the age of 35 before the tournament begins.
This blend is intended to guarantee that the competition has a balance of youthful enthusiasm and expertise on the field.
It also helps to eliminate the possibility of athletes well past their peak taking the place of younger potential.
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Because CHAN is an African competition, limiting the event to local players allows players who do not play for large clubs abroad to represent their nations on a continental scale.
The organizers believe that this step is critical for expanding football in African countries and providing exposure for local talent.
With only five days till the competition begins, McCarthy will hope there are no more surprises that could ruin Kenya’s campaign.
Because each team can only select 23 players (11 starters, five substitutes, and seven reserve players), teams will be unable to increase their squad size in the event of injuries or unexpected withdrawals due to other causes.
EXPLAINER: Why CHAN Has Locked Out Harambee Stars’ Mohammed Bajaber
