Stars boss Okumbi gets off the ground running

Harambee Stars first coach, Stanley Okumbi expects to name his final squad later this week for their 2017 AFCON qualifier away to Guinea Bissau after opening his first training camp since his appointment with the national team on Monday morning at Nairobi’s Safaricom Stadium.

Okumbi received 17 of his preliminary squad of 35 as Stars hit the ground running for preparations for their third Group E clash seeking the victory on March 23 that will revive their qualification hopes for a first Nations Cup showing since 2004.

The two sides will meet again five days later in Nairobi for the return.

“They started reporting to camp very early, so far 17 players are here. The other eight will be coming later in the evening,” the former Mathare United and Kariobangi Sharks boss told Citizen.

With the SportPesa Premier League taking a two week break, 25 local players are expected in camp for the one week training before Okumbi whittles down the squad for the travelling party for Bissau where they will joined by those plying their trade outside the country.

“We might have to meet with our foreign based players in, Guinea Bissau, because they play for their clubs at the weekend,” the tactician who succeeded Scotsman Bobby Williamson at the helm of the national side added.

Okumbi named eight debutants in his initial squad for the encounter, promising to bring a new style and flow of football to the national team with the blending of youth and experience.

“I will be naming my squad for the game, later in the week after watching the boys in training.”

Stars are currently in the third position in Group E, with only a point, following a 1-1 draw away to Congo Brazzaville, before losing 2-1 to the 2012 African champions, Zambia last September.

Ovella Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks), Roy Syamba (Mathare United), Posta Rangers keeper, Ian Otieno, defender Brian Birgen (Ulinzi Stars), Eugene Ochieng (Sony Sugar), Timothy Otieno (Posta Rangers), Aziz Okaka (Ulinzi Stars) and Nicholas Kipkurui (Zoo Kericho) are vying to don the national jersey for the first time.