By James Waindi/The Standard
Harambee Stars captain Robert Mambo and star striker Dennis Oliech resumed training for Saturday’s World Cup/Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.
Oliech, who scored a brace against Guinea last weekend, on Monday complained of a recurring thigh pain. He suffered the injury in a collision with Namibia’s goalkeeper Attiel Mbaha a fortnight ago. Mambo was also in training after recovering from flu and fever.
Team doctor Wycliffe Makanga said the players would be available for their match against Zimbabwe. "Mambo had a serious flu and some fever, but he has recovered after medication, while Oliech’s thigh injury isn’t that serious. Everyone is happy at the camp after the two resumed training," said Makanga.
He said Oliech required ample time to rest his muscles and he would be using ice cubes on the striker’s thigh.
"The other players are in good condition apart from small knocks, which should not be a scare," Makanga said.
Meanwhile, coach Francis Kimanzi will stick with the team that beat Guinea’s Syli Stars 2-0 when they host Zimbabwe. Speaking to SportFest on Wednesday after their morning training at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Kimanzi said he was satisfied with the team’s performance.
"This is a winning team and you all saw how they played on Saturday against Guinea, why should I make changes now? I can’t say we were 100 per cent perfect during the Guinea match, but I believe all departments were impressive," said Kimanzi.
"I don’t rate my team’s performance according to departments, all I can say is that we played well, but allowed our opponents to penetrate on two occasions which should not have happened. Our performance against Guinea was better than against Namibia a week before and I believe we are getting better everyday. Zimbabwe will be in problems on Saturday," he said.
Kimanzi slightly changed the defence after losing their opening qualifier 1-2 against Namibia in Windhoek on May 31. He dropped Ibrahim Shikanda and Geoffrey Kokoyo and replaced them with George Owino and Joseph Shikokoti.
Kimanzi said Stars, who train twice a day, would hold their final training Thursday and rest on Friday.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Parma midfielder, McDonald Mariga, praised the team’s performance against Guinea, but warned that players should not be carried away by the victory.
Mariga, a former Tusker player, said teamwork was what helped them bring down giant killers Guinea.
"We should forget about the win and focus on against Zimbabwe which could tougher. I believe we can relax and celebrate after defeating Zimbabwe because then we will be sure of six points and a reasonable position in the group," said Mariga.
Harambee Stars' midfielder Titus Mulama juggles the ball during training at Kasarani ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. Photo/ CHRIS OMOLLO/NATION MEDIA GROUP
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