Origi: Kenya can still qualify for Afcon

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi is confident Kenya can still qualify for next year’s African Cup of Nations despite having lost ground in the race.

Stars who are third in the group with three points from four games will host Egypt on 22rd of next month in Nairobi before travelling to Togo eight days later and Origi says with determination and the support of the fans they can still qualify.

Egypt and Comoros jointly top the group on eight points while Togo are rock bottom with a point. Kenya will need more than a miracle to bag a spot to Cameroon, but ‘Kenya One’ Origi thinks the dream is tenable.

“We have put ourselves in a situation that only we can remove ourselves from, the remaining fixtures are very tough but with the support from all football stakeholders  I believe nothing is impossible in the game of football,” said Origi.

In an interview with our sister station Hot96, the Kenyan international at the same time said he is impressed with the level of competition in the Kenyan Premier League and urged the fans to keep supporting local football.

“What has impressed me a lot in this season’s league is the level of competition among the players and the clubs, I think having sponsors coming on board to support the league has lifted the morale of the players and that’s why until now you don’t really know who will win the league because so far there are six teams that can win the  competition,” he explained.

The veteran shot stopper also took time to comment on Olunga’s move to the Qatari top tier side Al-Duhail saying it’s the ‘right step’ towards ‘greatness’ in his career,  praising the level of competition in the league and the experience Olunga will gain.

“Some of the football fans may see it as an ordinary move but trust me Qatari football is improving so fast and that’s why the big names in the world football are signing for clubs in the league and some are coaching there,” he said in a subtle reference to amongst others, Xavi Hernandez, a Barcelona great, now coaching Al-Sadd.

With the World Cup set to be staged in the oil-rich Qatar next year, the world will be monitoring that league and I’m sure Olunga has what it takes to shine there and grow his career,” the veteran keeper concluded.