NAIROBI, Kenya, March 22- Harambee Stars team manager Edward Oduor believes stiff competition for starting places within the squad will help the team when the face Angola in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.
Oduor said that the players are well aware of what is at stake and that defeat is the last thing on their mind.
“The players say that its (the qualifier) a must win for them. They know that any slip will put them out of the running for the Cup of Nations finals next year,” said Oduor.
“Everybody is fighting to get a position and competition is very high. So definitely we know that those who will be selected we’ll be in good form,” he added.
Stars were put through their paces on Tuesday morning and were joined by Randers striker George Odhiambo.
Leading lights Dennis Oliech and Inter Milan midfielder MacDonald Mariga are expected to link up with the squad later on Tuesday with Victor Mugabe scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.
Oduor also played down any gulf in class between the local based and foreign based players stating that team selection will be based on individual form in training.
“For somebody to get a position, they have to show their worth in training. The coach has to see how the players gel with each other so that they play according to his plans,” said Oduor.
As for the availability of winger Patrick Oboya, Oduor said that Football Kenya Limited are still following up with the matter with football’s governing body FIFA.
Oboya’s Czechoslovakian club FC Trinec have refused to release him citing a crucial weekend assignment despite falling during an international friendly window.
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