In their football match against the Guinea National team (Syli Stars), Kenya's Harambee stars were surely gallant, but very soon, they will be on a real International stage where "gallant" is not enough. They need to seal a number of loopholes namely:
- Their pedestrian approach by the team (especially fatal when the defence does that). More specifically, the laid-back attitude of the two defenders allowed the seemingly innocuous Guinean midfielder to "walk" into the Harambee Stars box thus leading to the first goal.
Their apparent lapses in concentration which seasoned teams of the calibre of Côte d'Ivoire and Egypt can easily maximise on.
- Diet: It cannot be denied that Titus Mulama is one of the best mid-fielders from Kenya who dazzled opposing midfielders with his deft dribbles and passes; John Njoroge, one of the best left-backs and Austin Makacha and Osbourne Monday some of the more impressive midfielders. However, I only leave it to your imagination what the combination of skill + stamina can do. The team Nutritionists should add more proteins to the Player's diets in addition to a rigorous gym-regime to build up those muscles (emphasis on quadriceps). Otherwise they risk being physically bullied when they come against the North and West African Teams.
- Psychological loopholes - Sometimes it seems like the Harambee Stars players are overawed by the presence of the big names they encounter out there in the field; the reason being that perhaps most of the boys come from very humble backgrounds. It is our role as fans to make them feel like real celebrities in order to boost their confidence.
- Support from the government, fans and the football association. I believe Kenyans have a propensity to excel at any level in all domains be it Athletics, Rugby, Football, Cricket and Politics (America:)!) to name a few but this is an ominous task without the kind of support other teams receive in their countries. A case in point is Tanzania closer home; there, football stadiums are usually full to capacity even during league games! Perhaps time for the Team Handlers to refocus their strategies? Food for thought.
Go! Go Stars!
