Harambee Stars’ coach Sebastian Migne has urged government through the Ministry of Sports to pay for their training camp venue in Paris, France, to ensure ample preparations for the 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament starting in June.
The Frenchman said the venue, which they have settled for, has all the latest training facilities including a gym, swimming pool and hostels needed for ample preparations.
“We have to secure the venue we booked as soon as possible to ensure it is not hijacked by other teams including Cameroon and Magadascar. Migne, whose side face Ghana in Accra on Saturday in their final Group ‘F’ qualifier, had their second training session yesterday at Moi Stadium, Kasarani with 22 players involved.
The team comprise 12 foreign-based and 10 local-based players. Sweden-based midfielder Christopher Mbamba honoured his first call up trained with the team while Maritzburg United’s defender Brian Mandela had a solo session with fitness coach although he is doubtful for the match with a minor knee injury.
Belgium’s Cercle Brugge midfielder Johanna Omolo arrived during the session and did not train. Migne confirmed that the whole team was in good shape and will be looking for at least a draw in Ghana to retain top spot, which will see them get Pot Three in the Afcon draw.
However, the former Congo tactician confirmed that Mandela is doubtful for Ghana trip but assured that the defender is in his plans for the 2019 Afcon tournament. Also missing from the team are suspended defender Aboud Omar, injured winger Ayub Timbe and lead striker Michael Olunga, who is out for at least three weeks. Captain Victor Wanyama said they will approach Ghana’s match with the seriousness it deserves despite having qualified.
This, he said will be a good build-up for Afcon and will help them get a top spot. Christopher Mbamba also impressed Migne and the federation is in the process of getting him a Kenyan ID and passport after Fifa approved his interest to play for his motherland. Harambee Stars’ lead pool “F” with seven points—one ahead of the Ghanaians who are also through.
A draw will see Kenya retain the top spot. The team will be slashed to 18 players before jetting out to Accra on tomorrow. By the time of going to print, the Ministry of Sports through the Sports Fund was said to be in the process of transferring Sh25million to FKF account to facilitate Harambee Stars trip to Ghana.
The money is part of the team’s Sh244 million budget, with the remainder set to be transferred by Friday this week.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Jeff Oyemba, Farouk Shikhalo, Patrick Matasi; Defenders: Erick Ouma, Musa Mohammed, David Owino, Brian Mandela, Philemon Otieno, Benard Ochieng, Joash Onyango; Midfielders: Victor Wanyama, Erick Johanna, Johanna Omollo, Ismael Gonzales, Paul Were, Francis Kahata, Christopher Tangen Mbamba, Dennis Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu; Forwards: Duke Abuya, Cliff Nyakeya, Masud Juma, Jesse Were and Allan Wanga.
