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Harambee Stars keeper Byrne Odhiambo has hailed the impact of Arnold Origi as new goalkeeping coach as Francis Kimanzi's charges gear up for the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup.
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Byrne Odhiambo has shed light on the transformative impact of goalkeeper coach Arnold Origi on the national team as they gear up for the Mapinduzi Cup scheduled for January in Zanzibar.
Origi, a former Harambee Stars goalkeeper with 48 caps, returned to the national team setup as a coach under interim head coach Francis Kimanzi. The UEFA B license holder replaced Jerim Onyango, who exited following the departure of Engin Firat after Kenya’s underwhelming AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign.
Odhiambo, currently in a competitive race for a starting role against Farouk Shikalo (KCB FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), and Morgan Ambuka (Murang’a Seal), praised Origi for modernizing their approach.
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“He has helped us a lot. His emphasis is to make sure we are excellent with the ball at our feet, given that is modern goalkeeping now. He has emphasized it, and we are going on well with him,” Omondi remarked.
This progressive approach reflects Origi’s experience as a coach for Östersunds FK in Sweden and underscores the evolving demands of goalkeeping in today’s football.
The Harambee Stars are in the final stages of preparation for the Mapinduzi Cup, which will also serve as a qualifier for the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Interim coach Francis Kimanzi is set to announce his final 24-man squad for the tournament, slated for January 3rd to 13th, 2025.
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Odhiambo shared insights into the team’s morale during the festive season training camp.
“The mood was not particularly good for some people because their break was cut short, but we have adapted well, and I am sure everyone will be ready by the start of the tournament,” he stated.
The 27-year-old also highlighted the fresh perspective brought in by Kimanzi and his coaching staff, which includes John Kamau and Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno.
“The coaches are new, so they have brought in new ideas. However, everyone is on song, and based on what I have seen, everyone is capable of playing. It is all about who will take up that chance in the end,” he noted.
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Reflecting on 2024, Odhiambo expressed gratitude for overcoming injury challenges earlier in the year to regain his fitness and form.
“I want to thank God that I am now fit. I was unavailable for the first two or three months of the year due to injury, but the year ended well as I regained my fitness and form,” he said.
Although Kenya’s AFCON 2025 campaign ended in disappointment, Omondi views the qualifiers as a valuable experience.
“I got the opportunity to play in the AFCON qualifiers, although we didn’t qualify for the main tournament. It was still a great platform,” he acknowledged.
Named in the Harambee Stars squad for the Mapinduzi Cup and the upcoming CHAN tournament, Omondi is poised to take up the challenge of leading Kenya’s defense. With Origi’s expertise shaping the goalkeeping unit and Kimanzi’s leadership at the helm, the Harambee Stars will be looking to make a strong statement in Zanzibar.
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