Harambee Stars will be participating in the Mapinduzi Cup, with coach Francis Kimanzi focused on preparation and team-building for CHAN.
Harambee Stars have officially kicked off preparations for the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup, with their first training session held at the Mpesa Foundation Academy on Saturday.
The team reported to camp on Friday, marking the beginning of an intense phase of preparation for the tournament scheduled to run from January 3 to 13, 2025, in Zanzibar.
Caretaker coach Francis Kimanzi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s opening session, highlighting its significance in laying the groundwork for both the Mapinduzi Cup and the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
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Speaking after the training, Kimanzi emphasized the importance of evaluating players and building a cohesive unit.
“Today was our first session with quite a large squad. The goal is to test all the players, and we managed to do that while introducing some tactics. Everyone will get a chance to show what they can do as we start building the team. While the focus is on the Mapinduzi Cup, the ultimate goal is to prepare a strong squad for CHAN,” Kimanzi said.
The 37-man provisional squad, featuring a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, is currently undergoing intensive tactical drills and assessments.
This mix is expected to provide the team with depth and versatility as they gear up for the tournament.
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The coach’s strategic focus is not only on immediate success in Zanzibar but also on developing a solid framework for long-term achievements in CHAN.
Defender Charles Momanyi echoed the sentiments of his coach, speaking about the players' high level of motivation and commitment.
“We had a great first training session, and the players are highly motivated. With such a large squad, everyone is eager to prove themselves. The Mapinduzi Cup is crucial in our preparation for CHAN, making this tournament very important for us,” Momanyi said.
The Mapinduzi Cup, an annual tournament that attracts top teams from East Africa, will serve as a valuable platform for the Stars to test their tactical readiness and build team chemistry.
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Training sessions at the Mpesa Foundation Academy are focusing on refining team tactics, physical conditioning, and integrating new players.
The technical team is using these drills to ensure that every squad member has a fair chance to demonstrate their capabilities.
Off the pitch, the mood in the camp is reportedly upbeat, with players showing a strong sense of camaraderie and determination.
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Veteran players, meanwhile, are stepping up as leaders, guiding the team through the early phases of preparation.
The Harambee Stars are scheduled to continue training at the academy over the next week, with the coaching staff keen on fine-tuning key areas before the team departs for Zanzibar.
With less than a week before the team jets off to Zanzibar, Kimanzi remains focused on his mission to transform the Harambee Stars into a formidable force.
“This is just the beginning. We aim to build a team that not only competes at the Mapinduzi Cup but also lays the foundation for long-term success at CHAN and beyond,” Kimanzi concluded.