Story and picture courtesy of NATION MEDIA GROUP
Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi is optimistic that his captain and midfield kingpin, Robert Mambo, will recover in time for Saturday’s African Nations Cup/World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Nairobi.
Mambo, who plays for the Swedish side Sundsvall FC, is down with flu and is the only one out of the 25 players required in camp who was not present on Tuesday after the team resumed training at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kimanzi pointed out that he had a talented reserve bench to call up should Mambo fail to pass the doctor’s test.
The national team faces an acid test in their quest to claim the lead in Group 2 in their next match against the Warriors of Zimbabwe.
Kimanzi said he was relieved after the 2-0 home victory against Guinea last weekend.
“We are now focused on building a winning team, we need some consistency in our performance. We have to make everyone fight for the national team jersey.
“It should be a matter of pride to represent the country and that is why I want to bring competition in all departments,” he said.
However, Kimanzi said would not call up any new players. He is satisfied with the 25 players in camp and will keep his faith in them for the remaining part of the campaign.
“But this does not in any way rule out recalling any one who improves, or a new sensation showing up. We are leaving the door open for such people, but now I need to blend the current players into a cohesive and compact side that can absorb any pressure from opponents,” he added.
Kimanzi noted that unlike their game against Guinea, where both sides opened up, Zimbabwe will hold back and try to catch the Stars on the counter-attack.
He however refused to be drawn on individual players when asked on who will be tasked on marking Manchester City hit man Benjani Mwaruwari.
“We will focus on building on the positives and not individuals. Technically, all teams are equal in this pool, but it is how fast one reads the opponent’s game that will tilt the game to either side’s favour,” said Kimanzi.
The coach added that it was important for Harambee Stars to win all their home matches and try to force a draw or a win in the remaining away matches.
“We are getting better with each game. All players are improving and if we are to get something out of this campaign, we need to have a solid defence and concede as few goals as possible.
The rest of the pieces will eventually fall in place,” he said.
Zimbabwe are due to arrive in the country on Wednesday ahead of the Saturday match. They are led by their 60-year-old coach Jose Claudinei, popularly known as Valinhos, who was appointed last year to guide the Warriors. His first major victory was against Namibia in Harare last weekend, where he secured a 2-0 win.
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