Coach Kimanzi takes Origi out of retirement
By People Reporter, March 4, 2020Veteran goal keeper Arnold Origi is set for a return to Harambee Stars after head coach Francis Kimanzi talked him out of international retirement and sent him an invite to join the team for preparations ahead of a crucial 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Group leaders Comoros in Moroni on March 25.
According to inside sources, the decision by Kimanzi to force highly rated Origi out of retirement is to give him more options between the posts after first choice custodian Patrick Matasi who plies his trade for Ethiopian side St. Georges fumbles in his last match for the team, during a 1-1 draw against Egypt and almost cost the team from his mistake.
During the 2019 Afcon in Egypt, he also had numerous howlers against Senegal in the group stage, despite managing to stop a penalty from Liverpool star Sadio Mane, he ended up conceding three cheap goals.
Apart from Matasi, the other options Kimanzi was left with were Ian Otieno who recently moved to Zambia giants Zesco United and Western Stima goalie Samuel Odhiambo who fumbled as Stars lost 4-1 to under dogs Eritrea during the Cecafa Senior Challenge tournament in Kampala last December.
“With his experience and agility, his return to the team will be a major boost, because all we want is to win matches and qualify, so we have to assemble the best team using all our best ammunition from different parts of the world,” said the source who sought anonymity.
Origi who has 33 caps retired from the national team after more than a decade of service as he decided to concentrate on club football in the Norwegian league where he has attained citizenship.
Currently the former Mathare United and Tusker goalkeeper plies his trade for Helsingin Idrottsforeningen Kamraterna in the Finish top league.
Comoros whose majority of it’s players ply their trade in France, will certainly be a hard nut to crack in their back yard, having proved their mettle against big wigs in previous matches. They beat Togo and shared spoils with Egypt to be able to lead the group.
Kenya are currently second after two draws, an identical 1-1 results against Egypt in Cairo and Togo in Nairobi.