)
Situma has revealed six hilarious tales about Adel Amrouche which inspired them into winning the 2013 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.
Former Harambee Stars right-back James Situma recently recounted some humorous and motivating stories from Kenya's 2013 CECAFA Senior Cup victory under the leadership of the enigmatic coach, Adel Amrouche.
Amrouche, a controversial figure who was sacked as Tanzania's head coach earlier this year after making remarks about Moroccan officials, led Kenya to victory during his one-and-a-half-year tenure with the national team.
Amrouche's tenure was not without its controversies, including a one-year ban by CAF for spitting on an official during a match against Comoros. Despite this, his unique approach and motivational techniques played a significant role in Kenya's success.
“He is the type of coach who made you want to die on the pitch for him because the trust and belief he instilled in his players was massive,” Situma told Buzz Sports.
)
12:45 - 20.07.2024
Harambee Stars defender returns to Gor Mahia after successful stint in Asia
Omija played for the club at youth level before leaving for Kariobangi Sharks and then a stint abroad with Oman, where he won the Kings Cup last season.
One such motivational technique involved Anthony ‘Teddy’ Akumu, who had limited game time at Gor Mahia. Amid criticism for selecting Akumu, Amrouche pulled him aside and provided personal encouragement.
“Teddy was not getting a lot of game time at Gor Mahia and he still took him. I remember people complained about picking up a player that was not playing a lot, but he pulled Teddy aside and told him, ‘I am the one who called you up. You just play as I want. Do not listen to people and prove them wrong. Just play.’”
Situma also shared how the team almost underestimated Burundi, thinking the altitude in Mombasa would be a disadvantage for them.
“He used to play mind games with us. When we played Rwanda in Mombasa, Uganda and Tanzania were to play first before us.
“We asked to play Rwanda in Mombasa thinking the altitude would inconvenience them. They nearly killed us. We got a penalty and scored.
)
07:47 - 19.07.2024
Sofapaka coach earmarks exciting winger to shine for Harambee Stars in future
Sofapaka coach Ezekiel Akwana has heaped praise on the former Kibera Black Stars who once trained with Scottish giants Rangers, revealing why Kenya may have the next-big thing on their hands.
“ Three minutes before the end of the match, Peter Opiyo ‘Pinchez’ gave a back pass towards Duncan Ochieng, but the striker had anticipated it and Duncan managed to get it. We really had a go at him after.”
Amrouche’s methods extended to intense physical preparations, as illustrated before the semi-final against Tanzania.
“The Tanzania coach watched the match and wrote us off. Adel heard it. We returned to Nairobi. He had us lie down on the floor of the gym and told us we would rather lose the final than the semi-final.”
Amrouche also prepared his defence mentally for the clash against Tanzania.
“After five minutes, I was yellow carded. I was marking Mrisho Ngasa. The coach called me aside and told me, ‘kill, take red’. Of course he did not mean it, but he implied I shouldn’t fear anything. We beat them and got to the final.”
Before the final against Sudan, Amrouche used a mix of psychological tactics through Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, who was the Technical Director at the time.
“Ghost talked to us telling us we did not have pressure, then he walked in and shouted, ‘Did you win all these games only to get to the final and not win? Will you embarrass your wife, mother, father, children, president, and your country in the final?’”
Situma also recounted how Amrouche’s motivational tactics helped Allan Wanga shine in the tournament despite a rough start.
“When we drew against Ethiopia in the first match, Allan did not have a good game and was bashed a lot. We asked the coach to take the game to Nakuru for the second game.
“Allan suggested he went home because of the stick. The coach told him it would be okay, but before leaving, he instructed Duncan to give Allan the armband. He ended up scoring a brace that game. We went back to Nairobi and Allan wanted to go back home. The coach told him, ‘Go, but tomorrow, be here before 10.’ Allan had no choice but to stay.”
Another amusing anecdote involved Aboud Omar, the starting left-back, during a rainy match at Nyayo Stadium.
“Another time when we played at Nyayo Stadium under rainy conditions, we were wearing white kits. Allan, who was playing center forward, ran his socks off and was very dirty. Aboud, however, completed the first half with his kit fairly spotless.
“During the break, Amrouche castigated him, threatening to sub him off if his kit would not have changed. He asked them who should have had their kit dirtified more, a defender or a striker? You know what Aboud did? He took some mud with his hands and applied it on his kit!”
These stories highlight the unique and sometimes humorous approach of Adel Amrouche, whose unorthodox methods and mind games left a lasting impact on the Harambee Stars and contributed to their memorable 2013 CECAFA Senior Cup triumph.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)