Irked Migne calls out top KPL clubs for hurting Indian mission

Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne has blamed the failure by a majority of the Kenya Premier League clubs to avail their players for the Hero International Cup as the main reason the team failed in its mission in the Asian assignment.

The Stars were at the receiving end of a 2-0 drubbing by the hosts India in the Cup final and the French coach believes the scenario could have been avoided had the team travelled with more seasoned players.

Top Kenya Premier League clubs refused to avail their players for the tournament citing league commitments, with Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards leading the cue.

And speaking upon the team’s return from the four-nation tournament in India where they emerged runner-ups, an unimpressed Migne said: “It was particularly difficult since we had 20 players plying their trade in the local league and apparently had no experience with the national team. It was a difficult mission but not an impossible one.”

Established sides Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Kariobangi Sharks and Kakamega Homeboyz were taking part in the Super Cup that came to a close last Sunday at  the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru with Gor beating Simba SC 2-0 in a nail-biting final to defend the crown they won in the inaugural edition last year.

Also, notably absent were foreign based players,  many of whom are sorting out their futures or on holiday after a grueling season.

The team made a low key return to the country yesterday evening amid mixed reactions regarding its performance in the four-nation tournament.

Migne’s boys made a flying start to the tourney by flooring a strong New Zealand side 2-1 courtesy of goals from Ovella Ochieng and Clifton Miheso. The team’s case for a number one finish was however given a reality check after a 3-0 defeat in the hands of eventual tournament winners India.

In the penultimate fixture, Kenya overcame a resilient Chinese Taipei side 4-0 to set up a grand finale against the hosts. However, the final was more of a déjà vu for Kenya as Migne’s hapless charges absorbed the pain, largely instigated by a Sunil Chhetri goals, as the Indians completed a double over them.

Despite the Stars’ shortcomings, the tournament cannot be summarized as a mere waste of time and resources as it proved invaluable to the players as many of them relished the rare experience with the national team. One of the players reflected.

“The experience was good for me because it was my first time with the national team and a tournament of this sort. Also, the idea that we went out of the country can only help us improve.”

Kenya was rewarded with Sh. 2.5 million for finishing as the tournament runners-up. The competition is part of Harambee Stars’ preparation for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this year. Kenya is set to take on Ghana and Ethiopia in September.