COSAFA Cup: Harambee Stars coach reveals the biggest positives he has learnt about Emerging Stars in South Africa

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COSAFA Cup: Harambee Stars coach reveals the biggest positives he has learnt about Emerging Stars in South Africa

Mark Kinyanjui 18:00 - 03.07.2024

Harambee Stars assistant coach Ken Odhiambo has revealed the biggest positives about his side at the ongoing COSAFA Cup in South Africa.

Harambee Stars assistant coach Ken Odhiambo has revealed the biggest positives he has drawn from the Emerging Stars’ side he is currently in charge of at the ongoing 2024 COSAFA Cup tournament. 

Kenya have beaten Zimbabwe and Zambia in group B, with their only loss coming against Comoros, where they were well off the pace. 

At the time of writing, they are the best second-placed team and could yet seal a place in the semi-finals of the cup, but that will heavily depend on the outcome of group C.

Speaking to the media after the match, Odhiambo revealed the biggest positive that he has learnt about his side following the three group matches.

“When we came to this tournament, the main objective was to try and unearth new talents who will graduate to the senior team,” he said.

“I am happy so far because we have seen some players performing well.”

A lot of players have been given the opportunity to show what they can do. So far, 16 of the 23 man squad have gained minutes under their belts. 

Some have grabbed their chances while others have not. Odhiambo will be pleased that most of these players have shown they can be trusted at a higher level.

Meanwhile, Odhiambo has praised the organisation levels of the tournament, but recommended that the size of the squads are increased for future tournaments in order to give more players international exposure.

The organisation is superb, there is nothing to complain about.

“My only suggestion would be to increase the number of guys taking part. We need 26 players and also, more officials.”

The gaffer has also revealed why he and his coaching staff, assisted by Anthony Akhulia and William Muluya have been micromanaging the players on the touchline, rather than taking a calm approach.

“These guys are young. They need to be pushed to the end. They are not like professionals who can allow you to sit down having done everything in training. They need to be pushed and it worked for them.”

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