It is not yet over for Harambee Stars. For years now, this is the time we have been waiting for as football fans. What Bobby Williamson has done as Harambee Stars coach is quite commendable. His main task being as a tactician is to rebuild the national team. This is already coming out as to what we have observed when Bobby was preparing the team for the international friendly match against Atlas Lions of Morocco played on Monday. Despite poor management of football in Kenya, the selection of players to the national team is part of what has been killing soccer. Williamsons predecessors have been relying on prime names while preparing their squad, leaving out the young future talent. For the first time, we saw a lot of new faces in that squad, apart from re-calling the experienced players who were in the squad before, the likes of Sofapaka’s hitman Enock Agwanda and Humphery Mieno (AFC). Before coming up with the final list, the 31 man squad comprised of players mainly from the local league. Though they were dropped, goalkeeper Robert Mboya (Mathare) Nelson Simwa (West Sugar) Victor Ndinya (Bandari) Harrison Mwenda, Anthony Ndolo and Anthony Ndungu, they were assured of another chance to prove what they are made of. It is so encouraging to see young stars like Timonah Wanyonyi (AFC) Timothy Otieno (Gor Mahia) and Victor Ndinya. The team is being shaped positively. You must note a good aspect of scouting, picking talented players from less fortunate suburbs and the bold decision to take in Nelson Simwa from West Sugar. Kindly watch this boy, he is a top shot. Besides Dennis Oliech, Allan Wanga, Jesse Were and Clifford Alwanga absence, the young Stars travelled to Morocco heads high. The 111th placed Stars managed to hold the Atlas Lions for 76 minutes before the goals started raining out thanks to slim mistakes from the defense. David “calabar” Owino being in charge, it really needs some changes. The midfield was calm. Captain Victor Wanyama also EPL African player of the month, together with Mieno had settled everything down. The attack was good but needs to be sharpened. It was a good exposure for Godfrey Kataka of KRA (Ushuru Fc) being given a chance during second half. Despite being hammered 3 goals to nil, the team should not get faded of under-performing but overcome silly mistakes. Too quick to judge, lack of patience and humility, mismanagement of funds, leadership wrangles and nepotism is among the few things that should cease if we still need to rebuild the national team and bring back the soccer flavour we are yearning for. It is a fact that the national team players normally spend less than 2 weeks in camp ahead of any international encounters and this is a disease that we should shun. For the first time let’s keep calm and verb our patience. Bobby Williamson is capable of delivering only if we are going to give him the maximum time he requires. As per what Bobby is doing, the team will now be involving 80% of players from local league. This is a positive move which will enable players understand each other. Lets accept this change being imparted we will never regret taking it seriously. Hold on your footprints, this is the rise of Harambee stars. What next? Shinning and shining!!!
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 05:58:04 +0000
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