Arnold Origi’s return to the Harambee Stars setup has come in a surprising new role: as a goalkeeper coach. This marks a significant shift for the 41-year-old, who had last played for the national team in November 2020 during a disappointing 2-1 loss to Comoros in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers. While few would have predicted his return to the national fold, Origi’s transition into coaching has been an unexpected but exciting development.
Though he remains in excellent physical condition, with many noting his fitness levels are still impressive, Origi’s decision to step into coaching was not initially part of the plan. The former goalkeeper, who has had a long and successful career in European football, was inspired by legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who continued playing well into his 40s. Origi had hoped to follow a similar path but, after his last contract with Norwegian side FC Hord, the challenge of finding a suitable offer led him to consider a new direction. It was then that he completed his UEFA coaching badges for goalkeepers, and upon taking on the role of goalkeeper coach at Swedish club Östersunds FK, he discovered his passion for coaching.
Origi’s remarkable football career includes stints at Tusker and Mathare United before making the move to Europe. He became the first Kenyan goalkeeper to play in Europe for over 15 years, with notable spells at clubs like Östersunds FK. Despite Östersunds now competing outside Sweden’s top tier, Origi remained a respected figure within the squad, even making two league appearances in 2024. However, as his playing time became more limited, he found a new path as a coach.
Now back in Kenya, Origi has taken on the role of goalkeeper coach for the Harambee Stars, working under interim coach Francis Kimanzi as the team prepares for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Origi is working with a talented group of goalkeepers, including Farouk Shikalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa, and Morgan Ambuka. For Origi, returning to the national team is a special moment. “Returning to the national team feels good because it’s always an honour to represent the country. I did it as a player, and now I’m back as a goalkeeper coach,” he shared.
Origi’s relationship with Kimanzi goes back to 2019, when the coach convinced him to return to the national team after Origi had renounced his Kenyan citizenship to acquire Norwegian papers. The two share a deep respect for each other, and Origi speaks highly of Kimanzi’s demanding work ethic. “I remember when he was the national team coach before—I’ve never worked harder in a national team setup than I did under him. He’s demanding, but that’s what we need to improve,” Origi said.
As the Harambee Stars build toward the CHAN, which will partly be hosted in Kenya, Origi and Kimanzi are focused on assembling a competitive squad. The team will first compete in the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar in January. While winning the tournament would be a great achievement, Origi stresses that the larger goal is to prepare a strong team for the CHAN. Playing on home soil will bring added pressure, but Origi is optimistic about the future of Kenyan football. He draws inspiration from the U17 girls’ team’s historic qualification for the World Cup, believing it shows what is possible with the right support.
Origi’s journey from player to coach is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. His passion for football and his commitment to improving Kenyan football make him an invaluable asset to the Harambee Stars as they work towards future success.
