Buzzing Okumbi, Wanyama confident Stars will prevail

Harambee Stars First Coach Stanley Okumbi is confident his team will continue the good results it has posted recently in Saturday’s international friendly against Mozambique.

The team has not lost in their last six, drawing four and winning two including the famous 1-0 away win at Kinshasa against Congo in September.

Speaking to the press at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani on Friday after their midmorning training session, Okumbi assured his charges will deliver.

“The spirit in camp is high and the team is ready for the game. The experience of playing every time we have an international FIFA week has not been there before, so the more players play together, the more their confidence grows.

“Coming from the Congo win is also a boost but also a challenge to us to continue doing well as we build a strong team,” Okumbi charged.

He was delighted to have captain Victor Wanyama back in the team after missing the Tottenham Hotspurs ace during the Congo assignment.

“We missed him and in the match because we are in a process of building a team and you have to know how you play without players of his calibre.

“His presence affects the players a lot; he’s a leader with and inspires his teammates. In the last two matches he featured he provided assists, and is so good in backing the defence from the midfield,” the former Mathare United and Kariobangi Sharks tactician offered.

Wanyama, on his part, says it will be a matter of continuing the business where they left.

“It feels good to be back, everyone is positive and we are hopeful we will take it from where we left. Mozambique is a good team therefore we expect a tough match. Personally I know them from history because we played them long time ago

“The technical bench has been doing good work, viewing our opponents past matches videos gives the idea what to expect, we hope it pays,” the former Southampton FC and Glasgow Celtic man remarked.

He attributed his current form that has seen him cement a first team place at Spurs to the stiff competition in the Maurico Pochettino’s team, noting it will bring good tidings to Kenyan football.

“When you are playing in club with three to four players competing for the same position you have to work hard to break to the first team. I’m glad someone is noticing my performance, no wonder scouts are coming here from English clubs. They know we can offer something.”

Okumbi will have to do without Greece based Paul Were who provided the assist during the Congo’s lash but has returning South Africa-based Golden Arrow’s winger Clifton Miheso available for selection.

Finland based Amos Ekhalie will earn his first cap on Tuesday when Kenya plays Liberia, as confirmed by Okumbi.

The duel will kick off at 4:00PM EAT (+3GMT) at the Kasarani.