James Situma, a former AFC Leopards defender, has expressed confidence that Kenya has the talent needed to succeed in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) set for August. However, he emphasizes that success can only be achieved through solid preparation and a merit-based player selection process.
Situma, who also played for Tusker, KF Tirana, and Sofapaka, believes that Kenya’s football potential is immense, and it is crucial to select local players based on their performance and abilities. He advocates for a selection process that prioritizes merit over other factors, which will enable the team to perform at its best in the competition. According to Situma, with the right work and approach, Kenya has what it takes to go far in the tournament.
One of the main challenges that Kenya has faced in previous competitions has been the lack of proper preparations. This issue has often led to underperformance, which Situma believes can be remedied with better planning and execution. The new leadership of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), headed by Hussein Mohammed, has been identified as a key factor in changing this narrative. Situma is optimistic that the FKF leadership is passionate about developing the sport in Kenya, and this enthusiasm can help raise the country’s football standards.
Additionally, Situma stresses the importance of nurturing talent from a young age. He points out that countries with strong football structures and systems in place are the ones that consistently succeed on the international stage. According to Situma, the key to developing such systems lies in the early identification and support of talent, which will ultimately improve the country’s performance in tournaments like CHAN.
The postponement of the CHAN tournament has provided Kenya with additional time to prepare, and Situma believes that this extended period should be used to ensure that the Harambee Stars are well-equipped for the challenges ahead. The team will face tough competition, as they are placed in Group A alongside Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia, which is considered the “Group of Death.” Despite this, Situma is hopeful that the home advantage will play a crucial role in helping the team navigate through the group stages. However, he acknowledges that it won’t be an easy task.
The participation of the Harambee Stars in the Mapinduzi Cup earlier this month was seen as a positive step toward improving the team’s chemistry and performance. While this was a good start, Situma believes that more needs to be done to strengthen the squad and ensure that the players are well-prepared for the challenges they will face in the tournament.
In conclusion, Situma’s message is clear: success in CHAN will depend on proper player selection, effective preparation, and the development of strong football structures in Kenya. He is optimistic that with the right approach, the Harambee Stars can achieve success in the tournament and beyond.
