Despite the fact that the National Team, Harambee stars did not manage to for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ and no longer have a chance of making it to the finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations next year in Gabon, Harambee Stars’ fans have something to cheer about.
The team managed the best ranking since to 2009, 86th position compared to 2009 position 84th, according to FIFA/Coca World Ranking after leaping 43 places from 129.
Stanley Okumbi, 36, who is managing Harambee stars said that he never played “football at the highest level” when he was talking t FIFA.Com. “I was playing in the lower leagues and we did not have a coach, so I offered to take over the role.”
“When the national team came calling earlier this year, I knew that I could not turn down their request. I signed a three-year contract, and I have not looked back since,” he added.
Okumbi was in charge as the Harambee Stars lost 1-0 in, home and away, to Guinea Bissau something that was not lightly taken by fans in media. After organizing two friendly matches in short succession ahead of the team’s next competitive match, Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo, Okumbi got his first win as national coach against Congo.
“Giving the players a chance to play international matches makes them stronger and although we were missing many of the overseas-based players, it boosted the confidence of those that played,” Okumbi said.
Okumbi believes “time speaking to the players individually” has led to the remarkable turn-around for the Harambee Stars is an aspect of his coaching philosophy that he holds very dearly.
“Another thing that I do is go to as many Premier League matches as I can, which allows me to see the players in action. Then we can work with them to improve. I try to do the same with our players who play outside of Kenya, getting their videos,” he added.
Okumbi assured Kenyan fans that there is future in Kenya football despite the disappointment of losing out on the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations is positive.
“We have the players, and I can see a lot of improvement. I think we can go places.”