Kimanzi confident as Harambee Stars gear up for Mapinduzi Cup opener
Harambee Stars are set to face Burkina Faso in their Mapinduzi Cup opener, with coach Francis Kimanzi confident in his squad’s readiness and captain Abud Omar insisting they are in Zanzibar to win.
Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi has expressed confidence in his squad ahead of their Mapinduzi Cup opener against Burkina Faso on January 4 in Zanzibar. Speaking during preparations, Kimanzi emphasised the team’s focus and readiness to make a strong start in the tournament.
“We arrived well and have already started training. The players look sharp and ready. While we have faced Burkina Faso in the past, this is a different tournament with new goals and a fresh squad. We are determined to give a good account of ourselves,” Kimanzi said.
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First training session in Zanzibar 💪#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/DNXEaWkOlU
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) January 2, 2025
Kenya’s captain Abud Omar, an experienced defender from Kenya Police FC, echoed the coach’s sentiments, stating that the team is in Zanzibar to win the title. Omar underlined the importance of treating the Mapinduzi Cup seriously as part of their broader ambition to excel at the upcoming CHAN competition.
“Our preparation has been excellent, both at home and here in Zanzibar. We’re not here to participate; we are here to win. The Mapinduzi Cup is an important step towards CHAN, and I expect every player to give their best,” Omar said.
Omar added that the players are motivated rather than pressured. Facing strong teams like Burkina Faso, he said, brings out their competitive spirit.
“There is no pressure on us. When players meet highly ranked teams, it pushes them to perform even better. That’s the mentality we are carrying into this match,” he explained.
Abud Omar takes the armband as Harambee Stars captain for the Mapinduzi Cup.
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) January 3, 2025
Read more: https://t.co/qXVA0Jmaej#HarambeeStars #MapinduziCup2025 pic.twitter.com/4xlZDWt9Hp
The team has been training at Gombani Stadium to acclimatise and fine-tune their strategy. Kimanzi expressed optimism about the squad’s cohesion and the players’ commitment to success.
“The Mapinduzi Cup is a great opportunity for us to test ourselves. The players are working hard, and I am confident they will deliver when it matters,” Kimanzi said.
Harambee Stars will face Burkina Faso in their opening match on Saturday evening, with high hopes of starting the tournament on a positive note.
