Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has called up three players and dropped three as the team resumed training for their second 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea this weekend.
Despite saying he would not make radical changes to his system when the team arrived yesterday morning from Namibia, Kimanzi wielded the axe on the fullbacks, saying they had cost the team a point against Namibia in Windhoek last weekend.
"Namibians were very physical and had a height advantage over our defenders, that is why I have decided to bring in bulky stoppers with a focus on the Guinea and Zimbabwe matches since their players are also bulky," said Kimanzi.
Kiamnzi has recalled Tuskers Joseph Shikokoti, Sony’s Joakins Atudo and George Owino of Tanzania league giants, Simba FC and, in turn, dropped Geoffrey Kokoyo of Ulinzi, Tusker’s Ibrahim Shikanda and Kevin ‘Gaza’ Omondi.
The dropped players complained of being made scapegoats for the defeat and questioned the coach’s sincerity.
"Kennedy Ayong is a fullback and he is not bulky as the coach says," a distraught Shikanda said as he left Kasarani yesterday.
"I am gutted by the coach’s statement. He told me to go and put on more mass. It is the worst thing anybody has told me in life. I have a lot of self-belief in my abilities as a defender. I have played for Kenya in all these matches and never the issue of height has ever arisen," Shikanda said.
He added: "Nobody will put me down and I will prove wrong all those who doubt my abilities."
Macdonald Mariga in training at Kasarani yesterday/Photo courtesy of THE DAILY NATION
Ulinzi’s Geoffrey Kokoyo was shattered, saying he had been called to camp to rot then shown the door.
"I have never been given the chance to prove what I can do for this country. All I have received are call-ups and then I am dropped."
"I played the last 15 minutes against Burundi and I am proud of what I put in. I was also a second half substitute against Uganda in the quarterfinals of Cecafa Challenge Cup that is all. It kills the spirit to be dropped over frivolous reasons."
Tusker midfielder, Omondi, said he got the shock of his life.
"The coach asked me what position I play. I mean who called me to the team who does not know my position?"
Twenty five players were in camp yesterday, including Auxerre striker Dennis Oliech, who did not train as he is still nursing his thigh injury. Team doctor Wyclife Makanga, who attended on him, said he expected the striker to start running today.
MORE NEWS:
Macdonald Mariga on arrival at the JKIA/Photo courtesy of THE STANDARD
Ace Mariga jets in for Saturday clash
Mariga flies in as Kimanzi boosts squad
Oliech battles for fitness
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