Mike Okoth rues son Origi’s absence from World Cup, tips Brazil for glory

Former Kenya international Mike Okoth believes Brazil is likely to lift this year’s World Cup trophy, with the competition beginning at 6pm today.

Okoth, father to Belgium star Divock Origi also maintains that no African team will make it to the semi- finals, insisting that the western nations have invested heavily in drilling their teams for success and also through motivation of their players.

At the same time, the former Harambee Stars ace has rued the decision by Belgium coach Roberto Martinez to drop his son Divock from the Belgium’s 2018 World Cup squad, blaming it on Wolfsburg’s poor season.

Origi was loaned out to the German Bundesliga side by parent club Liverpool at the beginning of the ended season, but failed to sparkle, scoring just 7 goals in the campaign, a development that did not convince Martinez to take him to Russia,  in the wake of a fierce fight for positions in the team’s forward line.

“The African teams that are likely to pull a surprise are Egypt and Tunisia. These teams have some of the world’s best players and with confidence, they can make it to the quarters but not beyond,’’ added the towering retired striker.

Okoth also tipped Liverpool duo of  Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to be among the best African players in this year’s World Cup showpiece.

The former Harambee Stars ace added that more African players need to go professional, but this can only be achieved if they feature regularly in continental assignments where scouts can spot them .

Okoth also expects Gor Mahia to lose a number of their star players next season to foreign clubs following their exploits in the Caf- Confederation Cup . K’Ogalo are in the group stage of the competition, and looks likely to make it out of the group.