Mapinduzi Cup Reflects Quality of Local League, Says Kimanzi

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Francis Kimanzi Harambee Stars Mapinduzi Cup
Interim Harambee Stars Coach Francis Kimanzi issues instructions in training ahead of the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar (📸 Eugene Agogo Productions)

Interim Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has cited the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup as a way to gauge the quality of the Kenyan league.

Speaking during an open media session as the team wrapped up its final training before departing for Zanzibar on Thursday, January 2, 2025, Kimanzi emphasized that Harambee Stars’ performance in the competition will reflect the local league’s standards.

“This team is a product of our local league. If they perform well, beyond our expectations, then it means that as a country, there is something that we are getting right as we progress,” said Kimanzi.

Coach Kimanzi expressed confidence in the team selected, highlighting the progress observed during training. He reassured fans and stakeholders about the squad’s readiness to compete.

“In every session, players look different depending on the training objective. We can produce a ready team that is very competitive. That’s not to worry,” Kimanzi affirmed.

Final Squad

The 26-man squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents from the FKF Premier League. Top scorer Ryan Ogam headlines the list, alongside in-form midfielder Kelly Madada from AFC Leopards and James Kinyanjui from KCB.

Mohammed Bajaber, who has been influential for Nairobi City Stars, also makes the final squad, alongside Darius Msagha, who is on a reincarnation mission at Shabana after a quiet past season.

Regulars Byrne Odhiambo, Hanif Wesonga, Alphonce Omija, Abud Omar, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari, Chrispine Erambo, Kenneth Muguna, and Austine Odhiambo have also made the cut.

Goalkeepers

Byrne Odhiambo, Faruk Shikalo, Sebastian Wekesa

Defenders

Sylvester Owino, Hanif Wesonga, Alphonce Omija, Brian Okoth, Abud Omar, Siraj Mohammed, Ronney Onyango, Daniel Sakari

Midfielders

Michael Mutinda, Chrispine Erambo, Brian Musa, Kelly Madada, Austine Odhiambo, Kenneth Muguna, Ben Stanley Omondi, Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, Marvin Nabwire, Darius Msagha, James Kinyanjui, Victor Omune

Forwards

Ryan Ogam, Moses Shumah

Notable Omissions

Despite his optimism, Shabana’s star forward Brian Michira was excluded from the final squad due to delays in processing his travel documents. Michira, who had earlier expressed his excitement about the call-up, missed out on what could have been his national team debut.

“Of course, every player’s dream is to feature for the national team. I am happy that this has come, and it makes me a better player. I will do my best if given a chance because I know what I can achieve,” Michira said before the squad announcement.

Other notable omissions include FKF Premier League’s second-highest scorer, Francis Kahiro, AFC Leopards forward Sydney Lokale, and Tusker’s seasoned defender Charles Momanyi. Ovella Ochieng, Beja Nyamawi, Shaphan Oyugi, Samuel Kapen, David Okoth, Isaac Omweri, and Baron Ochieng also missed the final cut.

What the Players Said

The Harambee Stars’ squad has exuded confidence ahead of the tournament. Gor Mahia defender Sylvester Owino expressed optimism about the team’s prospects in Zanzibar:
“The intensity in training has been high. I am confident we will be ready by the time we get to the tournament. We have a good team, and I know we can return with something positive. We are going for the trophy, and I hope everything will work in our favour.”

Byrne Omondi, a trusted presence in goal for Harambee Stars, played down concerns about the transition in leadership: “We have a new technical bench. There is something different they expect of us. The players have given their all in training; I feel everyone is ready. It’s now up to the coach to choose anyone he thinks deserves a chance.”

Leadership Changes

Following Hussein Mohammed’s election as the new FKF President and the subsequent resignation of former coach Engin Firat, FKF appointed Francis Kimanzi as interim coach. Kimanzi is assisted by interim Gor Mahia coach Zedekiah Otieno and Mathare United coach John Kamau.

Reports claim that former South Africa forward Benni McCarthy has agreed to be the Harambee Stars head coach, with an agreement set to be finalized before the team takes part in the Africa Nations Championships in February.

McCarthy has previously been at the helm of Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa. He was most recently the attackers’ coach at Manchester United in the English Premier League.

CHAN Preparations

The Mapinduzi Cup kicks off on January 3, 2024, at the Gombani Stadium on Pemba Island, Tanzania. For Harambee Stars, the tournament offers an invaluable opportunity to fine-tune their tactics and assess their form ahead of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) in February.

As co-hosts of CHAN, Kenya’s preparations in Zanzibar will be closely watched as the team aims to deliver a competitive showing in both tournaments.

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