NAIROBI, September 1 – The national football team resumed training ahead of Saturday’s crucial 2010 World Cup qualifier against Namibia.
Coach Francis Kimanzi held his first session as early as 7am at Kasarani as he plots on how to end Stars three match losing streak against the Brave Warriors.
Three professional players; Jamal Mohammed, Allan Wanga and Patrick Oboya are already in camp and took part in training on Monday morning.
Stars skipper Robert Mambo, Tanzania based defender George Owino and Parma’s Macdonald Mariga are expected in the country by tomorrow.
Kimanzi will however have to do without key players due to injury and suspension.
Arnold Origi is still recovering from a dislocated knee, while Titus Mulama has a groin injury. Lethal striker Dennis Oliech will also sit out the match as he serves a one match suspension.
Consequently, Kimanzi has called up Mahakam’s Francis Chinjili to beef up the striking force. Mathare United goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng will provide cover for Noah Ayuko now that Jacktone Odhiambo is away after being enlisted in the military.
The Brave warriors are expected in the country on Tuesday afternoon.
Stars must win their match against the visitors to keep their hopes of qualifying to the final round of the world Cup qualifiers. Currently second in group two with seven points, a win against the Southern Africans will put them on the threshold of qualifying to the final round.
The home boys will however have to be at their best as they haven’t beaten Namibia in three attempts. They lost by identical 1-0 victories in the 1998 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Then in the first leg of the current qualifiers, they lost 2-1 to last gasp goal in a closely fought encounter in Windhoek on May 31.
Subsequent wins over Guinea and Zimbabwe got their campaign back on track and a precious 0-0 draw away to Zimbabwe further enhanced their chances.
The squad:
Noah Ayuko(Sher Karuturi), Jackton Odhiambo(Gor Mahia), Duncan Ochieng(Mathare United), John Njoroge(Tusker), Edgar Ochieng (Mathare United), Antony Kimani(Mathare United), Llyod Wahome (Mathare United), George Owino(Yanga), Victor Mugabe (Germinal Beerschot Fc), Macdonald Mariga (Parma), Evans Amuoka (Ulinzi Stars), Osborn Monday(Tusker), Jockins Atudo(Sony Sugar), Jamal Mohamed (Enkoppings Sweden), Robert Mambo(Gif Sundsvall- Sweden), Austin Makacha (Mathare United), Titus Mulama(Norway), Patrick Oboya(Siad Most), Allan Wanga(Petro De Luanda), Andrew Oyombe(Gor Mahia), Joseph Shikokoti(Tusker), Munandi Mulinge(Ulinzi Stars), Levi Muaka(World Hope), Kevin Ochieng(Mathare United) and Francis Ouma(Mathare United)
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