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Mapinduzi Cup: Why Kimanzi is confident of Harambee Stars’ win over Tanzania

Mapinduzi Cup: Why Kimanzi is confident of Harambee Stars’ win over Tanzania
Coach Francis Kimanzi leads Harambee Stars in a training session in Zanzibar. PHOTO/@Harambee__Stars/X
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Harambee Stars interim head coach Francis Kimanzi is confident that his players can pick up a win against Tanzania during their Mapinduzi Cup clash.

Kenya and Taifa Stars will face off on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Zanzibar, and after a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso, Kimanzi explains why he foresees a first win for his team in the regional tournament.

Against Burkina Faso, he did not have a number of players available, but the stars have already teamed up with their teammates ahead of the match that will start from 7:00 pm.

The players who were not available for the Burkina Faso game were Gor Mahia’s Rooney Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Austin Odhiambo, and Alphonce Omija. These players were on a club assignment as the record Kenya Premier League champions took on Kitara FC from Uganda when the Siaya Stadium was launched on January 2, 2025.

“We missed four key players against Burkina Faso, and it disrupted our depth and balance. It’s hard to maintain normalcy when such crucial players are unavailable. With all 24 players now present, they bring immense value to the team,” Kimanzi said as quoted by a local media outlet.

Harambee Stars captain Aboud Omar leads his teammates in a training session in Zanzibar. PHOTO/@Harambee__Stars/X
Harambee Stars captain Aboud Omar leads his teammates in a training session in Zanzibar. PHOTO/@Harambee__Stars/X
 

Motivated camp

The former Mathare United and Wazito FC coach said his players are motivated, especially given that those in Zanzibar know that they were selected from a larger pool of stars.

“The players are highly motivated and eager to prove themselves. Being selected from a pool of 40 was no small feat—it reflects their hard work. Our role as the technical team is to support and encourage them to reach their full potential,” he added.

The Mapinduzi Cup has offered Kenya a chance to prepare for the upcoming CHAN tournament, which will take place in February, 2025.

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