Kheri said Muhiddin did not get the support of the federation

Mohammed Kheri has been named the head coach of Kenya's national team.

Kheri, who replaces Twahir Muhiddin, will be assisted by former international Allan Thigo and youth coach Sammy Nyongesa.

"I've spoken on phone with the KFF chairman and have told him that I'm okay coaching my country," Kheri said.

"I'll travel to Nairobi to discuss other things, including my contract."

Elly Adero, who is the administrative manager of the Harambee Stars, said preparations for their forthcoming 2006 World Cup qualifier against Botswana must start without delay.

We don't have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup. We should concentrate on qualifying for the Cup of Nations Kenya coach Mohammed Kheri

The coaching trio was picked by a panel of 19 coaches, who shortlisted Kheri, Thigo and James Siang'a for the top job.

Siang'a, who has a contract with Morogoro of Tanzania, was unavailable, leaving Kheri as the panel's choice.

Kenya Football Federation chairman Alfred Sambu said they settled for Kheri because of his track record.

Sambu was unsparing in his criticism of Muhiddin and his assistants, accusing them of losing control over the Harambee Stars players.

"Our players became indisciplined because the technical bench lacked discipline.

"They failed in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in Ethiopia and against Morocco."

Although Sambu intends to recruit a Dutch technical director for the team in June, the new coaches will remain in their jobs.

Kheri said the Harambee Stars job is a call to 'national duty' but warned Kenyan fans not to expect the impossible.

"I want Kenyans to know we don't have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup. We should concentrate on qualifying for the Cup of Nations," Kheri warned.

"Without proper preparations we can't go anywhere. That's why I can't blame former head coach Muhiddin.

"Muhiddin's a good coach but lacked proper support from the federation.

"They should have sent him with the team to North Africa before playing Morocco," Kheri said in support of his predecessor.

Kheri demanded that the KFF organise a warm-up match against a southern African country to prepare for the tie against Botswana.