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Mulee has hilariously reconted how he managed to upstage Togo, inspired by legendary former striker Emmanuel Adebayor in 2002 during his first ever stint in charge of Harambee Stars at Kasarani.
Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob "Ghost" Mulee recently reminisced about his strategic and spiritual approach that led Kenya to a 3-0 victory over a Togo side led by the formidable Emmanuel Adebayor in 2002.
This memorable win helped Kenya secure a spot at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, marking a major achievement in Mulee’s first stint with the national team.
During a guest appearance on the Oga Obinna show, Mulee recounted his journey with the Stars, explaining how challenging scouting was back then. Unlike today’s high-tech video analysis, Mulee relied on VHS tapes to study Togo’s tactics and players.
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05:44 - 05.11.2024
Ex-Harambee Stars coach Ghost Mulee reveals how ‘White Wizard’s’ last African dance ended in tactical drama
After three years, former Harambee Stars coach Jacob Mulee has revealed how he outsmarted Togo's "White Wizard" Claude Le Roy.
“When I first became national team coach, my first game was against Togo in 2003. We played them at Kasarani,” Mulee recalled, laughing at how antiquated the technology was by today’s standards.
“I watched Togo take part in the 2002 Cup of Nations against Cameroon 28 times," he shared, adding, "I had to mark each key moment manually, noting down when significant plays happened."
Mulee’s meticulous preparation helped him memorize every detail about the Togolese squad, including their substitutions. He even used this insight to rally his players before the match.
“I told my players, ‘If Togo doesn’t score in the first 45 minutes, we’re going to win.’ By the 60th minute, I promised we’d win 3-0 with goals from Dennis Oliech, John Baraza, and maybe someone else.”
True to his prediction, the game stayed goalless for the first half. Mulee then subbed in Baraza and Oliech, leading to a three-goal spree that saw Oliech, Baraza, and Musa Otieno each find the net, exactly as Mulee had envisioned.
Beyond strategy, Mulee shared how faith played a key role in his coaching style. "I am a believer, and I attend the Adoration Chapel," he said. "There’s something spiritual about life, and when you're in sync with your God, you can almost visualize what’s going to happen."
He also described the vibrant atmosphere he fostered with the team, including a pre-game praise and worship session.
The squad sang motivational songs like Anaweza bwana and Leo ni mambo mambo, creating a positive, energized environment.
Emmanuel Adebayor was unimpressed, reportedly mocking the team with, "Sing your mambo mambo and you will see today." However, after the match, he changed his tune, allegedly admitting to Kenyan player Edward Karanja, "You people know football!"
Mulee's humorous, heartfelt recollection not only highlights the dedication and faith that fueled his coaching approach but also serves as a reminder of a golden moment in Harambee Stars' history.
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