Francis Kimanzi Named Harambee Stars Head Coach for Mapinduzi Cup

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced Francis Kimanzi as the interim head coach of Harambee Stars for the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup, scheduled to take place from January 3rd to 13th, 2025, in Zanzibar.

The Mapinduzi Cup will serve as a crucial platform for preparing Kenya’s locally-based players ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament. Kimanzi’s appointment marks his return to the national team setup, where he will lead a provisional squad blending experienced campaigners and emerging talents.

Technical Bench

Kimanzi will be supported by a strong interim technical bench that includes John Kamau and Zedekiah Otieno as assistant coaches. Former Kenyan international goalkeeper Arnold Origi has been brought in as the goalkeeper coach, while Mikael Igediah will handle fitness technology. The medical team includes Wycliff Makanga as team doctor and Noel Mandi as physiotherapist.

The appointments are temporary, pending the completion of the recruitment process for a permanent national team coaching staff.

FKF Deputy President Take On Mapinduzi Cup

FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga emphasized the importance of the tournament in the team’s preparations:

“The Mapinduzi Cup offers our local boys a perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming CHAN tournament. We will provide all the support needed to ensure the team is focused and ready to represent Kenya with pride.”

National Super League Player Earns A call up to the national team

Nairobi United midfielder Isaac Omweri earned his maiden call up to the Harambee Stars senior side.The attacking midfielder becomes the first player from the second tier to earn a call up to the senior side in recent times.

Provisional Squad

The squad comprises 33 players drawn from various FKF Premier League and National Super League clubs. Notable inclusions are Gor Mahia defender Sylvester Owino, Tusker striker Ryan Ogam, and Nairobi United midfielder Isaac Omweri.

Goalkeepers

– Byrne Omondi (Bandari FC)
– Farouk Shikalo (KCB FC)
– Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks)

Defenders

– Brian Okoth (Kenya Police FC)
– Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC)
– Hanif Wesonga (KCB FC)
– Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC)
– Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia FC)
– Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC)
– Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia FC)
– Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC)
– Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka FC)
– Ronald Sichenje (AFC Leopards)
– Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)

Midfielders

– Chris Erambo (Tusker FC)
– Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC)
– Musa Katimbi (Kenya Police FC)
– Michael Mutinda (KCB FC)
– Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars FC)
– Ben Stanley Omondi (Kakamega Homeboyz)
– Brian Michira (Shabana FC)
– Ovella Ochieng (AFC Leopards)
– David Okoth (Kenya Police FC)
– Isaac Omweri (Nairobi United FC)
– James Kinyanjui (KCB FC)
– Samuel Kapen (Gor Mahia FC)
– Darius Msagah (Shabana FC)

Strikers

– Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC)
– Francis Kahiro (KCB FC)
– Benjamin Nyamawi (Bandari FC)
– Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)
– Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz)

Key Expectations From The Tournament

The Harambee Stars are expected to enter a residential training camp on December 28th, 2024, as they gear up for the tournament. With the Mapinduzi Cup offering stiff competition, Kimanzi and his team will aim to build a cohesive unit capable of competing at the CHAN tournament and other international events.