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The Kenya Police defender is looking to lead Kenya to Mapinduzi Cup success but also has some burning personal desires that he wants the tournament to help him achieve.
Kenya Police defender Aboud Omar is looking to lead Harambee Stars to success at the Mapinduzi Cup, having been named captain.
Omar is among the experienced players in a relatively young Harambee Stars team that has been assembled by interim coach Francis Kimanzi and he hopes to use his knowhow to lead the rest to success, accepting that Kenya are among the title contenders.
With Kenya looking to use the tournament as a tune up for the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN), the left-back is hopeful of a strong performance that will prepare them better and give them confidence heading into the games that will begin next month.
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11:00 - 03.01.2025
Abud Omar: Failing to win Mapinduzi Cup would be 'disastrous' for Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN
Aboud Omar, who has been named the side's captain for the tournament, stated in no uncertain terms why Harambee Stars have to win the Mapinduzi Cup with the 2024 CHAN tournament around the corner.
“It’s a privilege and honour to be named captain. Having been part of the national team setup for a long time, I understand what this role means. Winning the Mapinduzi Cup is our bare minimum. I’ll demand more from the players, but above all, I must lead by example as an experienced player and a veteran of the team,” said Omar as per FKF Media.
“We have prepared well, and the team is in good shape. There’s a perfect blend of senior players and young talents who have shown immense potential and worked hard to make the final squad. We are not underdogs, and the target from the onset is to win the Mapinduzi Cup. Anything less would be a failure.
“It hasn’t been an easy ride for the national team, especially with most of our games being played away. We’ve missed the support of our fans. I urge them to keep standing by us. We are building a strong team for CHAN, and we’re excited about finally playing in front of our home fans after such a long time,” he added, emphasising the importance of a good CHAN tournament in front of home support.
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07:30 - 03.01.2025
Harambee Stars arrive in Zanzibar ahead of Mapinduzi Cup showdown
Harambee Stars kick-off their campaign against Burkina Faso on Saturday.
Omar also has some personal ambitions even as he looks for the collective success of the national team, hoping that his performances can earn him an opportunity to join paid ranks abroad.
“I feel stronger and better now, and I know if I keep working hard, I’ll get another opportunity to join a bigger club abroad. That’s always been the dream for any footballer, and I’m no different,” said the defender, who has previously played in Greece, Belgium and Romania.
Kenya will begin their Mapinduzi Cup campaign against Burkina Faso on Saturday followed by a clash with Kilimanjaro Heroes on Tuesday before finishing with hosts Zanzibar Heroes on Friday.
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09:29 - 02.01.2025
Francis Kimanzi explains how Mapinduzi Cup is a ‘blessing’ for Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN tournament
Harambee Stars interim coach Francis Kimanzi has weighed in on the importance of the Mapinduzi Cup tournament to his squad while giving an assurance to the players who did not make it.
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