Wanyama faults Harambee Stars preparations
Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama on Wednesday criticised the national team’s handlers for shambolic preparations ahead of Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Stars tackle the Cape Verde from 4pm at the Nyayo National Stadium and though Wanyama insisted that they will give “absolutely everything in the match”, he was not pleased with the chaotic preparations.
“We must take our preparations seriously because we are playing a very good team in an important competition. We have not played any friendly match while our opponents have been in Europe in a training camp,” Wanyama said.
The Rui Aguas-coached side had pitched camp in Lisbon, Portugal from where they were set to fly to Amsterdam, then, connect to Nairobi aboard a Kenya Airways flight.
RARING TO GO
Wanyama however maintained that the poor preparations notwithstanding, his team mates were raring to go and will fight for the flag.
The positive development though was the fact that coach Bobby Williamson had a near-full house at camp on Wednesday with Zambia-based defender David Owino and Christian Bwamy, who turns out for Follo in Norway, joining camp.
First-choice goalkeeper Arnold Origi is however unlikely to join the team, while playmaker Ayub Timbe is also doubtful with an injury.
Box-to-box midfielder Johanna Omollo, who scored a brace as Stars dispatched Mauritius 5-2 away in round one of the qualifiers, urged fans to rally behind the team.
“I’ve had good games at my club (Antwerp) and I’m fit. They (Cape Verde) are a good side but the match will be decided in 90 minutes.
SUPPORT TEAM
“If I get my chance, I’ll take it but fans should come and support the team but not criticise because we have some young players who want to grow and they need encouragement,” he said.
Omollo will most likely feature alongside Wanyama at the heart of midfield in Williamson’s preferred 4-4-2 formation.
In Wednesday’s session, Michael Olunga and Allan Wanga – the likely striking partners on Friday – were put through rigorous shooting drills.
“I had a very difficult moment after losing my mum but now I’m picking myself up. I’ve been working hard with my club and I’m in good shape for the game,” said Azam’s Wanga. “We do not want to put the preparations in our mind but to concentrate on the game.
“They (Cape Verde) beat Portugal 2-0 in a friendly match in March and that shows that they’re a good team but we just have to concentrate and do our job.”