Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

top

Kenya

Mambo in, Mugabe out

NAIROBI, September 2 – Harambee Stars skipper Robert Mambo linked up with the rest of the squad on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s 2010 World Cup qualifier against Namibia.

Coach Francis Kimanzi confirmed that all foreign based players had arrived in camp bar Belgium based Victor Mugabe who was unable to travel due to a visa hitch.

“We wanted to try Mugabe since we are short of strikers but it’s unfortunate that it will not work out due to travel logistics”, Kimanzi commented.

The Saturday game has been shifted from Nyayo to Kasarani and Kimanzi explained why.

“Namibia has a smaller stadium and small crowd. Kasarani gives us more space for fans and a larger pitch. So we want to increase everything from what we had in Windhoek and give them a tough match”, he said.

The coach maintained that the team will approach Saturday’s tie with a strategy to ensure that they collect maximum points.

“Saturday’s match is crucial because we have to win to stay in contention for a place in the next round. We need to approach it with a good strategy ensuring we attack but keep it tight in defence,” he opined.

Stars lost 2-1 in the first leg match played on May 31 but Kimanzi observed that the result will not bear on the team on Saturday.

“It will be a different game because in Windhoek it was our first  match but we have gone to play well. Furthermore, they have a new coach which means a new vision .So I don’t expect them to play the same way they played last time.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Harambee Stars skipper, Mambo said that the players are ready for the big task ahead despite missing striker Dennis Oliech who is suspended.

“It’s a big blow for us but we have to play as a unit for the country. The boys who are here are ready for the challenge so we expect a very tough match”, Mambo said.

Mambo added that he was optimistic for a good result provided the players keep focus and stick to the match plan.
 
After Saturday, Stars will then travel to Conakry for their final group game in October.

They currently sit second in Group two with seven points from four matches.

Guinea currently leads the group with on goal difference with Zimbabwe third and Namibia bottom with three points.

About The Author

Comments
Advertisement

More on Capital News