Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia’s chances of becoming Kenya national team manager appears very slim even as the East African nation begin the process of selecting a replacement for sacked Francis Kimanzi who was relieved of the job following a dismal performance in the AFCON qualifiers.

Siasia who led the Nigerian U-23 Dream Team to silver medal finish at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and was until November 2011 Nigeria’s senior national team Coach, was among 150 coaches who applied for the job.

But it has emerged that intrigues and political undertone may knock Siasia out of the running to replace Kimanzi who has taken up appointment as Kenya FA Technical Director.

There had been speculations that Siasia may not be considered for the job because the Harambee Stars of Kenya and Super Eagles of Nigeria are in the same group of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Sam Nyamwega, President of KFA told Complete Sports over the weekend that they have just commenced the screening of the applicants with a view to picking those that will be shortlisted for interview but could not speak on Siasia’s nationality and his chances of getting the job.

The Kenya FA boss further stated that merit will be the guiding principle.

“We have started the process of looking into the various applications so far eceived in order to ascertain those who are qualified for the job. There are over 150 of them and we will send invitation letters to those selected for interview”, the KFA boss said.

“We want the best and we will settle for the very best among them. It is good that we have as many as that number so it gives us opportunity to get the best no matter where he is coming from”, he assured.

But there are suggestions that Siasia may not be considered for the job and indications are that since Kenya and Nigeria are in the same World Cup qualifiers group may knock Siasia out of the race for the Harambee Stars plum job.