‘Harambee Stars will be very ready for Brazil, Argentina’ – ex-Gor Mahia star after Qatar victory
By Joel Sang, September 9, 2023Former Gor Mahia defender Bramwel Karamoja has joked that Harambee Stars will be ready to face world giants Brazil and Argentina should they beat South Sudan following their win against Qatar on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
Kenya managed a 2-1 victory over Qatar in their first assignment in the current FIFA international window and will host South Sudan’s Bright Stars on Tuesday for yet another friendly.
Karamoja was impressed by the national team and said a win against the Bright Stars would indicate Harambee Stars are ready for top opposition now.
Ready for Argentina, Brazil
“After we beat South Sudan, we will be very ready for Brazil or Argentina,” Karamoja said in a statement.
The retired footballer went on to explain why the win was good in several ways.
“We have been so starved of victory, especially in the high-profile games, that this felt so sweet in many ways. I want to give a pat on the back to whoever has been getting us these kinds of friends lately.
“We can only compete at the highest level if we get good friendlies and so far, so good,” he added.
Harambee Stars’ defence
Although he was generally impressed by the entire team, Karamoja picked out the defensive unit for exclusive praise.
“Johnstone Omurwa and Joseph Okumu have to be the best central defense pairing we’ve got at the moment. The two have played together for Harambee Stars U-23, and it’s good to see such progress coming from them.
“Daniel Anyembe was good on the ball and timed his runs going forward. However, I feel he still has work to do when it comes to his defense, but generally, he did a splendid job,” he added.
While Kenya battled the Qataris in Doha, they enjoyed support from fans who came in their numbers to witness Engin Firat‘s charges take on the 2022 World Cup hosts. Karamoja wants the supporters in the country to emulate what the Kenyans in Qatar did.
Fans
“Finally, to the Kenyans who live and work in Qatar, that was a good turnout. You have given us a challenge for the South Sudan encounter on Tuesday at Kasarani Stadium.
“For the team to perform better, we need the 12th man, and that showed yesterday. I hope that we will always be in solidarity with our national team, both online and on the ground, whenever they go to war instead of supporting the enemy.
“Some of us choose violence whenever we send our troops to represent us and only resurface with praise when we register good results. It’s always good to criticize, but when the boys put on the Kenyan colors, it’s just right that we support them 100 percent; they need this always, regardless of who is called up,” he concluded.
After the friendly against South Sudan, Kenya will focus on the upcoming World Cup qualifier.