Harambee Stars have officially begun their preparations for the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup, with their first training session taking place at the Mpesa Foundation Academy on Saturday. The team reported to camp on Friday, marking the start of an intense period of training ahead of the tournament, which will run from January 3 to 13, 2025, in Zanzibar.
Caretaker coach Francis Kimanzi expressed his satisfaction with the opening session, emphasizing the importance of this phase in preparing the team for both the Mapinduzi Cup and the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Kimanzi noted that the initial session was a chance to assess the players and introduce some tactical elements, with the goal of building a cohesive team. “Today was our first session with quite a large squad. The goal is to test all the players, and we managed to do that while introducing some tactics. Everyone will get a chance to show what they can do as we start building the team,” Kimanzi explained. While the focus is on performing well in the Mapinduzi Cup, the coach made it clear that the ultimate aim is to develop a strong squad for CHAN.
The 37-man provisional squad, which includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, is currently undergoing intensive tactical drills and assessments. This combination of youth and experience is expected to provide the team with the depth and versatility needed for both the Mapinduzi Cup and the challenges ahead at CHAN.
Kimanzi’s approach is not only focused on immediate success in Zanzibar but also on creating a solid foundation for long-term success in the CHAN tournament. The coach is keen on developing a tactical framework that will allow the team to perform at their best on the continental stage. Defender Charles Momanyi echoed the sentiments of his coach, emphasizing the high level of motivation and commitment among the players. “We had a great first training session, and the players are highly motivated. With such a large squad, everyone is eager to prove themselves. The Mapinduzi Cup is crucial in our preparation for CHAN, making this tournament very important for us,” Momanyi said.
The Mapinduzi Cup is an annual tournament that attracts top teams from East Africa, and it provides a valuable opportunity for the Harambee Stars to test their tactical readiness and build team chemistry. Training sessions at the Mpesa Foundation Academy are focusing on refining team tactics, improving physical conditioning, and integrating new players into the squad. The technical team is ensuring that every player has a fair chance to demonstrate their abilities, and the mood in the camp is reported to be upbeat, with players showing a strong sense of camaraderie and determination.
Veteran players are stepping up as leaders within the squad, guiding the team through the early stages of preparation. Their experience is crucial in helping the team adjust to Kimanzi’s tactical vision and the demands of the upcoming tournament. As the team continues training at the academy over the next week, the coaching staff is focused on fine-tuning key areas, ensuring that the squad is ready for the challenges that lie ahead in Zanzibar.
With less than a week before the team departs for Zanzibar, Kimanzi remains focused on his mission to transform the Harambee Stars into a formidable force. “This is just the beginning. We aim to build a team that not only competes at the Mapinduzi Cup but also lays the foundation for long-term success at CHAN and beyond,” Kimanzi concluded.
