Chris Musumba
4 June 2008
Nairobi — Harambee Stars' head coach Francis Kimanzi has moved in swiftly to address his leaking defence by recalling towering Tusker defender Joseph Shikokoti and Sony Sugar's last man Jockins Atudo ahead of Saturday's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Guinea.
The match will also count towards the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations finals to be played in Angola.
Speaking upon the team's arrival from Namibia Tuesday, Kimanzi, who lost in his first match in charge of the national team against Namibia 2-1 last Saturday, ruled out any rest for the squad which moved directly to their residential training base at Kasarani.
At the same time, Parma midfielder, McDonald Mariga, also arrived Tuesday after a week long pre-season tour of Asia with his Italian side who were relegated to Seria B. Auxerre striker Dennis Oliech had arrived a day earlier from Windhoek.
"I have just come in from Sweden and I want to go and catch up with the rest before I can respond to any questions. However, on my fitness, I'm ready to be deployed in any area by the coach and help Kenya qualify for the World Cup," Mariga said.
The three fresh players are expected to bolster Harambee Stars defence and midfield.
Kimanzi said that his team were unlucky to concede the second goal saying his players were sharper and more focused than their opponents in Windhoek last weekend.
"The team generally played well. However, we are disappointed that we did not come back with a point as we had showed some resilience. But that is football, now it is our chance to make maximum use of the home ground advantage and get ourselves back into contention," said Kimanzi.
The coach noted that to attain his goal, he must strengthen his defence and improve the supply of balls at the midfield. Kimanzi said his defence against Namibia was vulnerable in handling aerial balls which led to him conceding the two goals.
"I need to get someone tall and experienced to cut out those high balls especially from dead balls and set pieces. However, the rest of the team is okay and we will build on what we had as we keep up our campaign to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010 alive," he said.
Atudo, who has got his first call-up, is already in camp and together with Shikokoti will be fighting to edge out the central pairing of Edgar Ochieng and Lloyd Wahome with Anthony Kimani also fighting for a place.
Mariga, has to challenge captain Robert Mambo, Austin Makacha and Titus Mulama in the battle for the midfield.
Kimanzi also said that Auxerre striker Denis Oliech picked up a muscle knock and has shaken it off and should be ready for the match against Guinea.
Initial line-up
"There is no cause for alarm. Oliech is fit and will be training with the rest in camp from today (Tuesday) evening," he said. "The team is still motivated and will fight for their chance."
However, Kimanzi noted that he may stick with his initial line-up unless the new call-ups prove their ability in the four days in camp.
Kenya, with no points is trailing group leaders Namibia on three, while Guinea and Zimbabwe are tied at one point apiece after drawing 0-0 in Conakry on Sunday.
"The draw in Conakry gives us a upper hand because, Guinea will come here to fight for maximum points.
"This will open up the game. But, as usual, I will have to change a few things because we are playing at home and hope we will emerge victorious," he said.
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