Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Harambee Stars goalkeeper trainer Arnold Origi has asked Kenyans to be patient since they are building something special.

Origi, who was appointed with the other interim coaches, returns to the national team’s setup at a time the goalkeeping department has faced scrutiny given the costly blunders committed in recent assignments.

However, the experienced goalkeeper is confident that he will help build a better team of goalkeepers. For now, he is among the coaches preparing the team for the Mapinduzi Cup set to be held in Zanzibar from January 3-13, 2025.

“Winning the Mapinduzi Cup would be fantastic, but the bigger picture is building a solid team for CHAN. Playing on home soil brings extra pressure, and we have to get it right. The country loves football and is hungry for success.

“We saw it with the U17 girls qualifying for the World Cup – it shows what’s possible with the right support. I hope Kenyans will keep supporting us as we work towards building something special,” Origi said.

Experience

Speaking of his experience and return to the national team, Origi said that his work ethic is informed by passion, and he is ready to work hard and deliver.

“Being back with the national team is a great feeling – it’s always an honour. I’ve had the privilege of representing Harambee Stars as a player, and now I’m here as a goalkeeper trainer. It’s a different role, but one I’ve grown to love,” he said.

He revealed that Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, a 2006 World Cup winner, is his role model.

“My move into coaching wasn’t planned. My role model was Gianluigi Buffon, who played well into his 40s, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. But after my last contract at FC Hord in Norway, finding a good offer became really tough.

“As you get older, it’s just how the game works. Luckily, I had completed my UEFA coaching badges for goalkeepers, and when I got the chance to train keepers at Ostersund, I realised it was something I truly enjoyed. That’s where my coaching journey started,” he added.

Currently, Origi is working with Farouk Shikalo (KCB FC), Byrne Omondi (Bandari FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), and Morgan Ambuka (Murang’a Seal) ahead of the regional tournament in Zanzibar.