Kimanzi and Origi lead Harambee Stars’ interim technical bench for Mapinduzi Cup
By Rama Mohammed |
Francis Kimanzi makes a return to the Harambee Stars as interim head coach for the Mapinduzi Cup, with former international Arnold Origi joining as goalkeeper coach. The updated 37-man provisional squad and interim technical bench have been announced as the team prepares for the tournament set to begin on 3rd January 2025 in Zanzibar.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has named Francis Kimanzi as the interim head coach for Harambee Stars ahead of the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar. Kimanzi’s return to the national team setup comes as the federation works to finalise the recruitment of a permanent technical bench.
In a significant development, Arnold Origi, one of Kenya’s most iconic goalkeepers, has been appointed as goalkeeper coach for the tournament. Origi’s vast experience, both locally and internationally, is expected to provide a major boost to the team’s preparations.
The rest of the interim technical bench includes Zedekiah Otieno and John Kamau as assistant coaches, Wycliff Makanga as team doctor, Noel Mandi as physiotherapist, Isaac Muriiki as kit manager, Mike Igendia in charge of statistics, and Jectan Oitang'or as logistics manager.
The updated provisional 37-man squad features local-based players from various Kenyan Premier League clubs and a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent. The team is set to enter residential camp on 28th December 2024. FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga emphasised the importance of the tournament for local players:
"The Mapinduzi Cup offers our local boys a perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming CHAN tournament, and this is why we have honoured the invite. We will give the team all the required support to ensure they are settled and ready to concentrate on their job, which is to play football and carry the Kenyan flag high."
The Mapinduzi Cup will run from 3rd to 13th January 2025, providing a platform for the team to sharpen their skills ahead of CHAN.
Provisional Harambee Stars Squad
Goalkeepers: Farouk Shikalo (KCB), Byrne Omondi (Bandari FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks)
Defenders: Brian Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka), Ronald Sichenje (AFC Leopards), Hanif Wesonga (KCB)
Midfielders: Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Kakamega Homeboyz), Victor Ochami (AFC Leopards), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police FC), Musa Katimbi (Kenya Police FC), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Shafan Siwa (Tusker FC), Michael Mutinda (KCB), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
Wingers: Brian Michira (Shabana), Ovella Ochieng (AFC Leopards), Isaac Omweri (Nairobi United), Samuel Kapen (Gor Mahia), James Kinyanjui (KCB), David Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Darius Msagha (Shabana)
Strikers: Rayan Ogam (Tusker FC), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Francis Kahiro (KCB), Benjamin Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Interim Technical Bench
Head Coach: Francis Kimanzi
Assistant Coaches: Zedekiah Otieno, John Kamau
Goalkeeper Coach: Arnold Origi
Team Doctor: Wycliff Makanga
Physiotherapist: Noel Mandi
Kit Manager: Isaac Muriiki
Statistics: Mike Igendia
Logistics Manager: Jectan Oitang'or
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