Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi issues instructions during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on October 10, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi says he is pleased with the number of players at his disposal ahead of Kenya’s journey to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations which begins in November with the first qualification match away to Egypt.
Kimanzi will lead the side in his second match since taking charge when Stars face Mozambique in a friendly match on Sunday and has called in a squad with several variations from the one that faced Uganda last month.
“It is good to see every player who is around and so far it has been very good for the last four days of preparation. We are ready for the game against Mozambique and everyone is looking sharp,” Kimanzi told Capital Sport.
He added; “We are on the journey for the AFCON 2021 qualifiers and when you are lucky to get many of these build up matches, you try see as many players as possible where you can look for the best 23 and ultimately the best 11. We had some players who showed us something against Uganda and now we will have some against Mozambique.”
Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama dribbles the ball during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on October 10, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
Ahead of the Mozambique game, Kimanzi will have skipper Victor Wanyama back after missing the Uganda game while Jesse Were will also be available after missing through injury.
In the goalkeeping department, Kimanzi will have a closer look at Ian Otieno and Timothy Odhiambo after dropping first choice Patrick Matasi and John Oyemba
Among other players that will be available for the coach to look at include former AFC Leopards right back Yusuf Mainge now in Slovakia as well as Cliff Nyakeya who was called up for the Uganda game but didn’t get playing time.
Kimanzi hopes that the Mozambique game will give him another opportunity to test his charges against a tough opposition as he tries out more tactics and personel.
Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga puts pressure on Whyvonne Isuza during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on October 10, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
‘It will not be an easy challenge but what is important is if we can keep working the same way we have been and keep the same discipline,” Kimanzi added.
Mozambique are expected in the country on Friday evening.
