Mulee wants AFCON consistency from Stars

Mulee wants AFCON consistency from Stars

Newly appointed Harambee Stars coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee has expressed the Harambee Stars’ intent in consistently qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The experienced tactician on Wednesday returned to the seat he last occupied in 2010 after he was officially unveiled as the national team head coach a day after Francis Kimanzi left the role.

“It’s a good thing that the Federation has shown confidence in what I can do. I have been following the team in recent times and I see a lot of quality in the team,” he said.

His first assignment is set to be the upcoming two-legged Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Comoros next month.

“The first task is to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. In the recent past, our story has been going for the tournament and then staying out for long thereafter. We want to make it a habit that we can be able to qualify for AFCON every other year,” Mulee said.

“I am happy that our top striker Michael Olunga called to congratulate me on my appointment. He’s promised to turn up for us against Comoros. It is an exciting moment for most of the players,” he added.

The revered coach was however wary of the threat Comoros poses.

“It’s not an easy match. Most of their players play abroad. It’s a difficult match but looking at what our team has achieved in recent times, it gives me confidence that we can get a positive result,” he said.

Coach Mulee, meanwhile, noted that his team selection is based on merit and that everyone stood a chance as long as they are up to the task.

“Talent is talent. It’s been difficult for our local-based players during this covid-19 pandemic in terms of match fitness, hence, we may have to turn to our foreign-based players who have been active. But in the end, talent is talent.

The coach is expected to name his team for the upcoming qualifiers in due course with local based players set to kick off non-residential training on October 26. Their foreign-based counterparts will start checking in on November 2.

The first leg will be played at the MISC Kasarani on November 11, at 7 pm, under floodlights, while the return leg slated for four days later in Comoros.

Kenya is second in Group G of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers with two points, off identical 1-1 draws with Togo and Egypt.

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Harambee Stars Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee

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