Mcdonald Mariga, former Harambee Stars midfielder and the first Kenyan footballer to win the UEFA Champions League, has expressed confidence in Kenya’s ability to defeat Cameroon in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Despite Cameroon’s formidable reputation and football pedigree, Mariga believes that Kenya, with the right strategy and support, can overcome the challenge and secure a spot in the AFCON 2025 finals in Morocco.
Mariga, who earned international recognition during his time with Italian giants Inter Milan, remains optimistic about Kenya’s chances. Reflecting on his own experiences in football, he believes that Kenya’s current position at the top of their qualification group proves they have the capacity to compete with strong teams like Cameroon. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining team morale and unity in this critical phase of the qualification campaign.
Kenya has often been viewed as an underdog in African football, especially when facing teams like Cameroon, whose players predominantly feature in Europe’s top leagues. However, Mariga argues that the strength of a team does not solely rely on the number of players they have in top European leagues. He acknowledges Cameroon’s star-studded squad but believes that Kenya’s players are just as capable of delivering results on the pitch.
Mariga’s optimism is rooted in Kenya’s current form. Harambee Stars have consistently performed well throughout the qualification campaign, and according to him, this has demonstrated their ability to stand toe-to-toe with the continent’s footballing powerhouses. He dismisses the notion that Cameroon’s pedigree should intimidate Kenya, asserting that the Cameroonians may actually be underestimating Kenya.
“They might see us as underdogs, but that’s exactly why they should be cautious,” Mariga remarked, pointing out that Cameroon could be making the mistake of taking Kenya lightly. He believes that such an attitude from their opponents could play in Kenya’s favor, as it provides the perfect opportunity to surprise them with a determined and focused performance.
However, Mariga is also keen to address some of the challenges that could derail Kenya’s progress. One of the primary concerns he highlighted is the issue of payment delays, which have historically plagued Kenyan football and demotivated players. Payment issues can be a huge distraction for players, affecting their focus and performance on the field. Mariga stresses the importance of resolving these issues swiftly to ensure that the players can concentrate fully on the task at hand.
Mariga also touched on the logistical challenges that have often hindered the Harambee Stars’ preparations for crucial matches. During his time with the national team, he recalls that lengthy and complicated travel arrangements would sap the energy and focus of players, often leaving them fatigued before important games. With Kenya scheduled to travel to Uganda for a crucial fixture, he urges the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Sports to ensure that the team has direct travel arrangements, minimizing the strain of long stopovers and ensuring the players arrive well-prepared.
For Mariga, it’s not just technical skills that will be crucial in the match against Cameroon. Mental resilience and belief in their own capabilities will play a significant role in determining the outcome. He stresses that Kenya’s players need to have confidence in their ability to compete with and overcome strong opponents. According to Mariga, this belief is essential in boosting their chances of success.
Drawing on his own experiences as a professional footballer, Mariga emphasizes that Kenya’s players must be mentally prepared for the challenge. He notes that Cameroon’s squad may feature more well-known names, but that alone does not guarantee victory. What matters most is how the team performs on the day and their ability to grind out results when it matters.
Kenya’s position at the top of their qualification group is a testament to the team’s growth and potential. Mariga believes that this success has not gone unnoticed by Cameroon, who may now see Kenya as a legitimate threat. He argues that Cameroon will be aware of Kenya’s capabilities and may approach the match with caution, knowing that they cannot afford to take their opponents lightly.
Reflecting on his own career, Mariga is particularly proud of the progress Kenyan football has made. As the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League, his achievements have inspired a generation of Kenyan players, including his younger brother, Victor Wanyama. Wanyama eventually became the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League, breaking barriers and paving the way for future Kenyan footballers to play at the highest levels of the sport.
Mariga’s own near-move to the Premier League in 2009, when he was on the verge of signing for Manchester City, is a reminder of the obstacles Kenyan players have had to overcome. His move ultimately fell through due to Kenya’s low FIFA ranking at the time, but the experience highlights the challenges that have historically faced Kenyan football. Nevertheless, Mariga’s success in Europe, particularly with Inter Milan, serves as proof that Kenyan players have the potential to succeed on the global stage.
As Kenya prepares for the crucial doubleheader against Cameroon, Mariga’s message to the team and the nation is clear: believe in the team’s ability and rally behind them. He calls for unity and unwavering support from the fans, the FKF, and the Ministry of Sports. According to him, this support will be vital in ensuring that the players are motivated and confident heading into the match.
Mariga is also hopeful that the current Harambee Stars team can learn from the past and avoid the pitfalls that have hindered Kenyan football in previous years. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, both on and off the field. From ensuring smooth travel arrangements to resolving any financial issues, Mariga believes that every detail matters in the build-up to such crucial matches.
Ultimately, Mariga’s confidence in Kenya’s chances against Cameroon is based on his belief in the team’s resilience and fighting spirit. He insists that the team has already proven its ability to compete with the best and that they should approach the match with the mindset of winners, not underdogs. For Mariga, the key to success lies not just in technical ability but also in mental strength and the belief that they can achieve their goals.
As the match approaches, Mariga’s words will undoubtedly serve as motivation for the Harambee Stars. His experience, both as a former national team player and a Champions League winner, gives weight to his belief that Kenya can overcome Cameroon and secure their place in the AFCON 2025 finals. With the right support and preparation, Mariga is confident that Kenya can achieve success on the continental stage and continue their rise in African football.
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