Embattled Harambee Stars nursing deeper wounds, beyond football

Kenyans rejoiced when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed Harambee stars’ participation in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. The news sparked excitement with renewed hopes of reviving the glory of the most loved sport in the country after a decade of turmoil and poor performances. 

But is Kenya ready for the continental showpiece?Listening to the hopeless voices of several football fans along Kenyan streets are a real indication of the inflicted injuries and bruises on the game. The Football Kenya Federation and the Kenyan government have received a large share of the blame for the current status of the team.

The players as well have partly been accused of laxity, not to forget the coaches who get criticized for poor selections and unpopular ideologies. So, what exactly is dragging the team backwards?Watching the likes of the former defender, Musa Otieno and Kenya’s all-time leading scorer, Dennis Oliech play was such a great experience.

You compare that with what we have today, then you will agree that Kenyan football is at its death bed. The Stars last featured in the Nations Cup back in 2004 under coach Jacob Ghost Mulee with both Musa and Oliech playing integral roles in the golden era campaign.

Since then, there have been little to cheer about the team. Fans have increasingly turned up in numbers only to leave in disappointment at the end.

Fourteen years down the line, the Stars are back to the continental map but with same old problems. How many times have players faced accusations of indiscipline in the camp? The Federation keeps changing coaches regularly, is this the way to go?There is no doubt we have lots of talent in the country.

Harambee Stars players celebrate Eric Johannah’s goal against Ethiopia in a 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on October 14, 2018. /Photo/Courtesy

After years of struggling, we can finally boast of many players plying their trade in international leagues from Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama to former Girona striker Michael Olunga. We also have Ismail Gonzalez of Las Palmas in Spain, Aboud Omar in Romania, Johannah Omolo of Belgian club Cercle Brugge, and Ovella Ochieng in Sweden.

Zesco United trio of David Owino, Jesse Were and Anthony Akumu are also among the top prospects from Kenya. Having talents is one thing, and managing them is another. You need a brilliant mind with great ideas to come up with a good team, hence the role of a coach. Since 2004, we have seen more than ten different coaches in the dugout, each leaving having left a distinct mark on the team.

Currently, Sebastien Migne is the man in charge, and the Frenchman has not escaped from criticism and disbelief from fans. His selection methods have raised doubts and questions including the exclusion of talented midfielder, Anthony Akumu and striker Jesse Were from the 2019 AFCON squad.

On the other hand, Migne has shown positive and laudable efforts towards youths, giving the like of young defender, Joseph Okumu a chance to shine. Despite all the shots fired, there are still lingering hopes installed inside most football enthusiasts in the country.  They watch with the hopes that all these will spur the country to success in Egypt.Apart from the players and coaches, we also have the dark forces of politics and management crisis hitting hard on the team.

Lack of support from FKF, led by Chairman Nick Mwendwa, has affected the players’ morale and hampered their preparations too. To become the best, you need to compete with the best. When was the last time Kenya played a friendly match with a team in the top 10 FIFA ranking? Well, it remains a mystery even as we look to solve our local issues. There is also the big concern of introducing young talents in the national team that is slowly getting addressed.

Harambee Stars players celebrate a goal during a past International match. Photo/Courtesy

Do we have any precise set-up for the youth or a recognized system of play? Spain and Netherlands have tikitaka, Brazil has Ginga, while others are known for quick attacking football, but what does Kenya have? Generally, the Federation and ministry of sports should support football in the country by improving the stadiums and other training facilities.

Players should be paid promptly and treated with respect and honour. We have a treasure in football that should be fully utilized to benefit both the current and future generations of Harambee Stars.

UEFA Nations League: Three things we learned from semi-final matches


Netherlands and Portugal are through to the finals of the inaugural UEFA Nations League and will entertain the fans on Sunday for the tournament’s decider. Both teams needed an extra gear in the odd minutes to eliminate their respective opponents on their way to contend for the title.


The tournament’s hosts Portugal secured a berth in the final following a 3-1 victory over Switzerland on Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo made his first appearance in the competition and bagged a hat trick to send his country through. On the other hand, the Netherlands team needed two extra-time goals to beat England 3-1 after both sides tied 1-1 in at stoppage time.


Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliance
You can hardly rule him out in any game, simply magnificent. The Superstar f.orwarder returned to the international platform with a bang! The entire nation needed him, and he stepped up entirely at the Estadio do Dragao. Ronaldo gave Portugal the lead with a stunning free-kick in the opening 25th minute of the game. Ricardo Rodriguez levelled for the visitors in the 57th minute from the spot.


Switzerland controlled most of the game and appeared more likely to score the winner, but Ronaldo squeezed the ball into the corner of the net with two minutes to stoppage time. The striker added the third right at stoppage time to seal the victory for the host nation. Ronaldo now has 53 hat-tricks for both club and country. He also took his international tally to 88 after playing 57 matches and sits second on the all-time international top scorers chart. The best goal scorer we will ever see in this generation.


The class of Frank De Jong
Not many young players can boss a midfield comprising of the English talent and experience, but Frank de Jong did just that. The Dutch midfielder showed why he deserves to sit among the best midfielders in this generation and for the future. At 21, the youngster quickly exploited England’s weaknesses in the middle by making interceptions and key passes. His composure and decision making with the ball reminisce the golden generation of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta’s working rate.
De Jong. Who has recently signed for Barcelona, completed more passes (105) than any other player in the game. He also made the most touches (128), tackles (5) and recoveries (13) on the pitch. The Dutch will undoubtedly need his services to lift the Nations League.


England’s international miseries continue


There were growing hopes among England fans ever since Gareth Southgate took charge. Most of them believed in him that he would make drastic changes and help the nation win trophies. Yes, the changes are evident, but the titles keep fading in dreams. Southgate blended the old squad with young, aggressive and talented players, and the result was perfect. Watching England play now is different from some time back. There is a sign of a new atmosphere, team spirit and beautiful football. They almost concurred World Cup but fell short at the semi-final before losing to Belgium in the third-place play-off. Generally, they won hearts of those who doubted them and were now serious contenders for the next international tournament.


Barely a year later, came the Nations League, another platform to mend their mistakes and end the merciless hoodoo. Again, the progress was good until they were one step away from the final. This time the Dutch that stood their way, not Croatia. It was the same World Cup story, scripted in a different event. Marcus Rashford’s penalty in the 32nd minute gave England the lead and hopes. De Ligt equalized with a superb header in the 73rd minute as both teams held on to extra time. Kyle Walker’s own goal and a neat finish from Promes all but secured the victory for the Dutch, condemning their opponents to yet another disappointment at the big stage. They bowed out despite fighting their way to extra time. England will now face Switzerland for third place, at least with the hopes of making a step ahead from where they left. If this is the count, then expect England to finish second in Euro 2020 and then win the World Cup in 2022. Well, this is football.

Who will win the UEFA Nations League between Netherlands and Portugal?