Migne decries Olunga absence, backs other players to step up

Harambee Stars coach Sebastien Migne  has bemoaned the absence of lead striker Michael Olunga for the African Cup of Nations final Group F qualifier against Black Stars of Ghana, but has tipped other players to step up and show case their skills.

Speaking during the unveiling of a Shs20 million sponsorship deal between the team and an online gaming firm, Migne predicted a tough clash in Ghana moreso in light of Olunga’s absence.

Olunga was in fine form last weekend finding the mark as his club Kashiwa Reysoll beat Albirex Niigata 1-0 last weekend.

“It will be a good opportunity for another player to show his quality. It was difficult for example until now to have Masoud in the team, maybe it will be a good opportunity for him to show me his quality before AFCON and maybe to have a different option for AFCON.

“We beat Ghana without Wanyama and Mandela for example; therefore we will try to find a way through.”

The coach further said that the decision to pitch the team’s training camp in France was not based on his own interests but solely for the well-being of the team. He termed France’s fizzy conditions as perfect for the vigorous training he has planned for the team.

“I don’t want to go to France because I am French, I want the best for Kenya. I think it will be a huge mistake to prepare in a hot country because the AFCON is set to be played in Egypt. I don’t want to be in a hot country because I want us to work out two or three times a day therefore, we need a good climate.”

The President of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Nick Mwendwa who graced the event termed the sponsorship from the gaming firm “a show of confidence” in the national team and a huge boost towards the federation’s agenda of providing the national team Harambee Stars with a conducive environment before and during the forthcoming Africa cup of Nations.

“Harambee Stars has not had this kind of partnership and today we begin the journey to the Cup of Nations. We bring along a partner to help us do this and to take up some of the costs that we are going to incur along the way.

“This is a show of confidence but I’m looking forward to much more similar sponsorship in future,” he said.

The team is set to jet out on May 27 after which they’ll depart for Cairo

He further added that the decision to settle on France as a training ground was solely based on the demands of the coach.