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Harambee Stars jets off to Guinea Bissau
Kenya National soccer team Harambee Stars trip to Guinea Bissau that was set for Thursday has been differed for Friday morning. The team led by head of delegation Hussein Swalleh jets off in the wee hours at 6.00am (Kenyan time).
The team will face their opponents in the first round of the Africa Cup of Nations this weekend in a day yet to be confirmed .
France AJ Auxiere striker Dennis Oliech finally reported at the teams training camp at Marist International college grounds in Karen after missing two day's of training. The team did not train on Thursday but opted to relax and share few ideas amongst themselves.
Oliech who avoided talking with the press spend virtually the entire day with the team at their hotel. Head coach Twahir Muhiddin said the team is all set for the trip and promised to come back with maximum points.
Regarding the absence of Oliech, Twahir said the France based striker had two major problems which he did not want to share with members of the team. He disclosed that the player had a serious toothache problem and his passport had some anomalies which he had to sort out with the immigration department.
''Oliech is quite fine although he has a swollen toothgum. He went early in the morning to see the dentist before linking up with the team.He had also issues to sort out with immigration department regarding his passport and that is why he was unable to join us the previous two days”Observed Twahir.
The long serving coach defended Oliech saying he was one of the best striker in the country adding that its not easy to get a player of his calibre.
“'Yes, we have good local players but still they cant match with his standard.Oliech is a gem of a striker. Despite his shortcomings,i still have faith with him since he has been performing well for his club and the National team in the previous years”Observed Twahir.
Twahir confirmed today that he had not made any changes in the 18 man squad he had named on Wednesday evening. However, he called upon those who were dropped both local and foreign based players to hang around since he will consider them when they come back from Guinea Bissau.
Nairobi City Stars new call-up Levi Mwaka described his selection in the team as a major boost in his playing career.He said if given chance in the starting line-up, he will prove that he is a worthy material for the National team.
Meanwhile,discharged football instructor James Sianga has called upon the Harambee Stars technical bench to instil discipline in the team and stamp their authority.
He said it was wrong for a player to fail to report at the National teams training camp noting that there is no player who is indispensable. He said discipline is paramount noting that any player without that vice does not deserve to be considered in a team.
“'When I was in Tanzania, I instilled discipline in all the clubs I handled. I didn't entertain indiscipline and that is why the youthful players I handled in Gor Mahia are performing well.A player like Dennis Oliech should not hold the entire team at ransom. We have many talented players around who can take that position effectively.”noted Sianga on phone.
