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Russian popular agent Dimitri Seluk considers firefighters from Belarus to be an opponent at a higher level than the Kenyan national team.
The statements, published from his interview with Sports.ru.com, come in the backdrop of Kenya’s planned matchup with the Russian national team on Monday 16 October from 1900 EAT.
The game is scheduled for Mardan Stadyumu in Antalya, Turkey.
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On Russia playing Kenya, the agent, notably known to have represented former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure until 2019 said:
“Team Kenya? If they had taken firefighters from Belarus, I think they would have put up more resistance. I can't understand why this is being done. I understand the political motives, but Kenya - where did they play? 109th place in the FIFA rankings?”
Monday’s match, termed to be historic for Kenya by coach Engin Firat, will be the first time Harambee Stars will be playing against a European nation, and more-so, an opponent that ranks as high as Russia - 39th in the world.
“Why is this Kenya needed? For what?,” Seluk questioned. “From a sports point of view, this is empty. From a political point of view, I don’t want to rant on this topic. Whether there are any political dividends from this or not, I don’t know.
“From a sports point of view, you can call Sasha Mostovoy, Karpin, Arshavin (all retired). Believe me, they will beat Kenya,” the agent added.
Russia, currently under suspension from FIFA due to the country’s attack on Ukraine, has been in football wilderness, seeking competitive matches to engage in.
As per multiple reports, Russia’s move to play African nations - as recently showcased by their match against Cameroon last Thursday- and now with Kenya, is “drawn up by geopolitics.”
Kenya’s ties with Russia were strengthened recently in March this year when a trade pact was agreed after Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov visited Nairobi, with Kenya a significant importer of fertilizers and grain.
That withstanding, Seluk added that his agency would have done a better job in securing a ‘worthy’ opponent to Russia:
“Guys, contact me, I will bring you the African team to play. Or you can simply create some kind of national team. Play with a team of foreign players playing in Russia.”
Seluk has a storied history, and his name notably appears in relation to Toure, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s inability to win the Champions League.
He said that ‘an African curse’ existed on the City coach for not giving the Ivorian ‘opportunity on the field.’
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Source: Mozzart Sports
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