Tight security as Harambee Stars train ahead of Zanzibar clash

Tight security as Harambee Stars train ahead of Zanzibar clash

Harambee Stars players heading to training. [Photo/sportpicha.com]

The national football team Harambee Stars’ training in Hawassa was held under tight security at the Agricultural College, a faculty of the Hawassa University.

There were three checks for any visitor to the university, one at the entrance to the playing fields. All around the pitch there were fully armed soldiers who watched each and every movement from the people around the team.

“It is very weird to train under such circumstances. Feels like something is about to happen, but it is refreshing to see that someone values this team enough to give us armed security and escort,” said one player.

Harambee Stars players heading to training. [Photo/sportpicha.com]
Harambee Stars face Zanzibar on Friday in the final group stage match. [Photo/sportpicha.com]
And it is not just the Harambee Stars, all teams are enjoying the same service in all the cities hosting CECAFA, Bahir Dar, Addis Ababa and Hawassa.

“Ethiopia does not compromise on security. First it was very difficult to get in everyone here. The Ethiopian government insisted on everyone to send their passport copies and photographs in advance. They vetted each and everyone before we were allowed in,” said CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye.

Harambee Stars players in training ahead of Zanzibar clash. [Photo/sportpicha.com]
Harambee Stars currently stands top of its group. [Photo/sportpicha.com]
“I made many trips here (to Ethiopia) just to make sure the processes are going on well. It was not easy, but it is for the best,” he added.

Coach Bobby Williamson has thrown announced that he will make nine changes in the squad that drew 1-1 with Burundi on Wednesday.

The draw kept Kenya top of Group B with four points. Burundi are second with four points but an inferior goal difference while Uganda are third with three points. Zanzibar are placed last in the group without a point.

The match between Harambee Stars and Zanzibar will kick off at 4pm.

Tags:

kenya Harambee Stars Zanzibar CECAFA 2015 CECAFA2015

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