Harambee Stars interim coach has highlighted the significance of the Mapinduzi Cup tournament as part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN). He also assured players who were not selected for the Mapinduzi Cup squad that they remain integral to the broader plan for CHAN.
The coach recently named a 24-player squad for the regional tournament, which Kenya is utilizing to fine-tune its preparations for CHAN. The championship, set to take place in February, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. While the Mapinduzi Cup presents a chance for the selected players to showcase their abilities and secure a spot in the CHAN team, the coach emphasized that those left out of this squad still have an equal opportunity to join the final CHAN lineup. He also extended this sentiment to players not included in the initial training camp.
The coach described the Mapinduzi Cup as a valuable opportunity for the team. He noted that the tournament allows him to assess the performance and readiness of the players while providing a competitive platform for them to prove themselves. While the focus is currently on the 24 selected players, the broader pool of talent remains under consideration. Players who were not chosen for the Mapinduzi Cup will be invited to the next training camp, along with new additions from local leagues.
Recognizing the importance of CHAN as a platform for promoting talent from domestic leagues, the coach emphasized the need to explore players from the nationwide level. He expressed interest in evaluating players with strong current form and impressive statistics from local competitions. This approach aligns with the tournament’s purpose of highlighting homegrown talent and fostering the development of domestic football.
The selected squad departed on Thursday for the Mapinduzi Cup, an eight-team tournament set to begin on Friday in Pemba Island. The competition includes teams such as Zanzibar Heroes, Uganda, Kilimanjaro Stars, Burundi, and Burkina Faso, alongside Kenya. The tournament serves as an ideal build-up for CHAN, providing the players with a chance to gain valuable match experience against regional opponents.
The coach expressed optimism about the squad’s potential and urged the selected players to seize the opportunity to make a case for themselves. He emphasized that the Mapinduzi Cup is just one step in the preparation process and that the coaching staff will continue to evaluate all available talent. The ultimate goal is to assemble a competitive team capable of excelling at CHAN.
As Kenya prepares to co-host CHAN, the coach’s approach reflects a commitment to inclusivity and thorough evaluation. By casting a wide net and giving players multiple opportunities to impress, the team aims to maximize its chances of success in the tournament. The Mapinduzi Cup provides a crucial testing ground for the Harambee Stars as they gear up for a significant challenge on the continental stage.