Stars’ Wambani following on Marcelo steps in Sweden 

Anthony Wambani, the only foreign based player in Francis Kimanzi’s squad for the ongoing CECAFA Senior Challenge says he draws big motivation from his former teammate Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, who recently joined Swedish top side AIK.

Wambani played with Marcelo at third-tier side IF Vasalund, before the latter’s big move where he penned a five-year deal marking his biggest move in his career that began at Kakamega High School.

In an interview with Citizen Digital at the KCCA Lugogo Stadium, Kampala after Monday evening training session, Wambani revealed the move added more adrenaline in his quest to ascend higher.

“Of course, it’s something that excites you when your teammate from home country in a European club makes such a big leap. I have been interacting with Marcelo a lot and I know hard work pays at the right time because everyone has got their time,” said Wambani.

He says his just concluded season in Sweden was good, and his business in the Harambee Stars CECAFA squad is all about getting a regular role in the senior team.

“I was called up by the coach (Kimanzi) and since I’m in the season break it was easy to grab the opportunity and give my best for the team and myself. Football is a universal game and playing with my teammates who I’ve not been together with for long makes no difference, I really fell at home,” he added.

The former Bandari FC man meanwhile feels the absence of suspended Kimanzi in Tuesday’s Group B match against Sudan is inconsequential as far as their result is concerned.

“We, the players, are concentrating on the game aspect. We have trained well with all the coaches and we are ready for the match. We are sure the entire technical bench has a plan that we have to follow, and I’m sure we will have a good day,” he underscored.

Having started in the Sunday opener against Tanzania on a winning note (1-0), Wambani is optimistic today’s match will propel them to the semi final, as a win would translate to six points.

Sudan shared spoils with 2017 finalists Zanzibar on Sunday, thus are tied on one point at second spot while Tanzania are last with zero.

The Zanzibar versus Sudan match, the second of the day is set for 4pm after the early kick off pitting Stars and Sudan, at 1:30pm.