Moses Shumah’s prolific goalscoring form in Zambian football has not gone unnoticed by Kenya’s national team technical bench, but the former Kakamega Homeboyz striker will need patience before earning his chance with Harambee Stars. Assistant coach Vasili Masounakis has confirmed that the towering forward remains firmly on their radar, urging him to stay grounded and continue his impressive trajectory with Power Dynamos. Timing, rather than talent, appears to be the primary obstacle standing between Shumah and a coveted national team call-up.
After moving to Zambia’s Power Dynamos ahead of last year’s Africa Nations Championships, Shumah endured an initial period of adjustment that coincided with Kenya’s qualifying campaign. Masounakis explained that during those crucial matches, the technical team had elished options including Michael Olunga and Scotland based Jonah Ayunga, making it difficult for Shumah to break into the squad while still finding his rhythm abroad. Competition for places in the ing positions has remained fierce, even as the striker’s domestic form has soared to remarkable heights.
Shumah’s debut season in the Zambian Premier League proved nothing short of sensational. He netted 21 league goals as Dynamos stormed to the championship title, then added three more across other competitions including the CAF Champions League to claim the Golden Boot with 24 strikes overall. Power Dynamos crowned him their Player of the Season, and his performances have reportedly attracted interest from South African giants AmaZulu. Yet despite these accolades, he was omitted from the squad for recent friendlies against Lesotho in Pretoria, highlighting the depth of competition he faces.
Masounakis believes Shumah would prove a valuable asset to any club fortunate enough to secure his services. Should the striker complete a move to AmaZulu, the assistant coach expects him to make an immediate impact, provided he maintains his humility and dedication to his craft. Such a transfer to a higher profile league would likely strengthen his case for international recognition, offering him exposure against superior opposition and potentially forcing the hand of head coach Benni McCarthy.
Kenya’s ing options have evolved considerably in recent months, with Michael Olunga’s extended absence from the national setup forcing the technical team to rely on a younger generation of forwards. Austria based Ryan Ogam, Finland based Lawrence Okoth, and St Mirren’s Jonah Ayunga have shouldered the goalscoring burden, but Shumah’s predatory instincts could provide valuable depth as Kenya prepares for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. As joint hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Harambee Stars will face intense scrutiny and sky high expectations from a passionate home crowd.
Masounakis acknowledged the pressure that accompanies hosting a continental championship but believes the atmosphere can elevate player performance rather than stifle it. Drawing on Kenya’s experience during the recent CHAN tournament, he recalled how 60,000 to 70,000 passionate supporters created an exhilarating environment that energized rather than intimidated the squad. Such home advantage represents both a blessing and a burden, with success on familiar soil offering the sweetest possible reward for players and technical staff alike.
As preparations for the continental showpiece intensify, McCarthy and his coaching staff appear confident that their work is beginning to transform Kenyan football. Masounakis noted that they have altered the tactical approach and style of play, generating renewed enthusiasm among fans who remain football obsessed. Whether Moses Shumah ultimately features in those plans will depend on his continued development abroad and the evolution of Kenya’s striking options in the months ahead. For now, patience remains his only option as he works to convert club excellence into international opportunity.
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