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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.
Harambee Stars left-back Aboud Omar has underlined the importance of winning the invitational Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar, describing anything less as “disastrous.”
The tournament is seen as a critical stepping stone in the team’s preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN), set to partly be hosted in Kenya.
The Harambee Stars will open their campaign against Burkina Faso on Saturday, followed by a clash with Tanzania three days later. They will conclude the round-robin competition with a match against hosts Zanzibar on January 11.
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Ahead of their departure to Pemba Island, Omar emphasised the team’s determination to dominate the tournament.
“We are not the underdogs. We are the main contestants, and we have to win,” Omar said. “If we go there but fail to win, it would be a big loss and very disastrous for us. We have no choice but to win.”
The Stars will be guided by head coach Francis Kimanzi, who was recently appointed to lead the team in the competition. Zedekiah Otieno and John Kamau will serve as his first and second assistants, respectively.
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Kimanzi has named a 24-man squad for the tournament, showcasing a blend of experience and emerging talent. His mission is not only to secure the Mapinduzi Cup but also to establish a foundation for the CHAN competition.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president McDonald Mariga has expressed his confidence in Kimanzi’s coaching team to deliver success.
“These coaches are experienced, and they have a good understanding of Kenyan football,” Mariga stated. “We want them to give us a platform to tackle CHAN effectively.”
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Victory in the Mapinduzi Cup would provide Harambee Stars with a morale boost and a solid base as they gear up for the CHAN tournament. With the eyes of the nation on them, Omar and his teammates are determined to make a strong statement in Zanzibar.
The stage is set for the Harambee Stars to shine and reaffirm their credentials ahead of their biggest challenge yet: hosting and excelling at CHAN 2024.
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