We have to go back to Sebastian Migne’s AFCON squad to find any semblance of a well-gelled team. Following the untimely dismissal of Coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee and Francis Kimanzi before him, we unveil what should be the country’s go-to team.Sure, any coach will have favorites and choose players based on his style of play. For instance, Kimanzi was very keen on defensive solidarity while Mulee preferred all-rounders who can quickly pass out from the back.Lots of discussion about this man Engin Firat 👇 who looks quite likely to be the next #HarambeeStars managerHis most recent job was manager of the Moldovan (🇲🇩) national teamDecided to give a quick overview of his performance (+a mild rant)🧵 pic.twitter.com/NOzZj1aN4y— Naythan Din-Kariuki (@Naythan_DK) September 18, 2021 But with all that said, you need a core to build on. This negates the need to start from scratch every time we change a coach. Perhaps Kimanzi alluded to this with some youthful call-ups. I have put together a list of what should be Kenya’s go-to teamFormation 4-3-3GoalkeeperIan Otieno – Zesco United (28 years)The debate amongst fans is whether the number one spot should go to Ian Otieno or to Tusker’s new boy, Patrick Matasi.There are still some who swear by Origi’s safe hands but I’ve found his handling to be fluffy at best. I really don’t have any good memories of his time between the sticks, so he totally misses out here.Ian and Matasi are now fully-fledged internationals and have shown the confidence needed to be Kenya’s number one. Ian narrowly edges out Matasi for his precise kicking, quicker distribution, and the understanding he’s shown with the back four whenever he’s been called in on goal.Both will be playing continental football this season. While Matasi is perhaps the better shot-stopper, it’s the Zesco man however who carries the gloves since he ticks more boxes.Central DefenseJoseph Stanley Okumu – KAA Gent (24 years)It only seems like yesterday, when the 193 cm defender, bizarrely nicknamed “Crouch”, followed Brian Mandela to South Africa only to leave after a single season.Kenya’s best defenders have been made in that country so there was a lot of pressure on Okumu’s young shoulders but he took it in his stride. A quiet one-year stint in the lower echelons of American football made for nervous reading but two successful seasons in Sweden saw the stock of the Kakamega Boys School alumnus skyrocket.Now in the Jupiler league with Gent and reportedly scouted by the likes of Lorient, Reims, and Celtic, Okumu is Kenya’s best defender by a mile. Vocal and calm on the ball, it’s amazing that he’s just 24 and yet to hit his growth ceiling.Joseph is grounded and still has ambitions to play at the highest level. He would be the first name on the sheet for any coach. Future captain. Mwendwa explains two months contract issued to new Harambee Stars coachTeddy Akumu Agay – Kaizer Chiefs (28 Years)Another PSL player to partner Okumu. Standing at 185 cm, Teddy could be part of the meanest central pairing on the continent.A surprise pick, perhaps because he is normally deployed as a six and has missed out on recent call-ups. However, Akumu has earned plaudits playing in defense for his clubs.He’s actually been used in this position severally by Chiefs. Tall, strong, calm, and ever looking for a pass, Teddy has the tools to excel alongside Joseph Okumu as a versatile stopper.While Eugene Asike did okay in the most recent world cup qualifiers, he still lacks the acumen to contain aggressive attackers that like to play off the defender’s shoulder. That’s why he struggled against Rwanda’s Meddie Kagere and has therefore been usurped by the former Gor midfielder. Having played as a midfielder in the past, Teddy also distributes the ball better going forward.Right Back Daniel Sakari – Kariobangi Sharks (22 Years)He is in a new crop of local college-educated players whose love for the game has seen them put their corporate ambitions on hold. Was unfazed when called up to marshal Egypt’s Salah in his first Harambee Stars call-up.Sakari has continued to put in solid performances for the country since then. He’s also been an asset when taking throw-ins because he can launch them long.Much has been written about the role of modern fullbacks but in 2021, a defender’s first instinct should still be to battle the opponent’s attackers. It’s a job Sakari relishes.Left Back Eric “Marcelo” Ouma – AIK Fotboll (22 Years)Another ex Gor Mahia man who was so good while at Kakamega Boys High School that he was dubbed Marcelo. Eric has been producing the goods for Kenya from the time he made his debut in 2016 as fresh-faced youth.Marcelo is the personification of a modern fullback. Fast, energetic, strong in the tackle, and able to overlap to either shoot or swing in dangerous crosses. It’s a no-brainer to select him ahead of all other left-backs.Defensive MidfieldRichard Odada – FK Metalac, on loan from Red Star Belgrade (20 Years)For a young unknown player from Kenya to be signed by Red Star Belgrade, there must be something going about him.You also have to respect a player that religiously studies Thiago Alcantara. In the matches against Uganda and Rwanda, Odada was able to show what he’s learned from Liverpool’s deep-lying playmaker.Majority of Kenyans were left impressed by Richard Odada’s debut for Harambee Stars. Find out what he had to say about it.https://t.co/LSbXEcZpR5— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) September 4, 2021 Mulee had this to say after the lad’s Harambee stars debut, “Odada did well against Uganda and I think our midfield is now sorted I have never seen such a midfielder in Africa for a long time and for sure he is one player who I believe will make it into the top leagues in Europe.” Truly a gem for the future.Left Central midfieldKenneth Muguna – Azam (25 Years) The Azam midfielder has been a consistent performer ever since he bagged the KPL MVP in 2016 aged 20. What was more impressive? Muguna won the award as the odd creative spark in a Western Stima side famed for its long-ball tactics.The title came with a Ksh. 1,600,000 cheque to boot and the former Gor midfielder has had several lucrative club switches since then, making quite the fortune. Including a rumored Ksh. 4,000,000 sign-on fee for joining Azam.To be paid this handsomely when mostly plying your trade within the continent, you must be the real deal.Right Central MidfieldAmos Nondi Obiero – FC Dila Gori (22 Years)The former K’Ogalo number 8 just played for a single year as a senior in the KPL but that stint was enough to earn him a move to Europe.The mantra in the local football scenes is to move to the European leagues at a young age to be able to take advantage of the continent’s superior facilities and soak in as much footballing knowledge as possible.Nondi has followed this now well-beaten path, whose most famous beneficiary is Victor Wanyama.Perhaps Nondi will be keen to follow the footsteps of those before him and play a champions league match. It is however his undeniable talent and ability on the ball, that places him in my midfield three.Left attacking midfield Francis Kahata – Formerly of Simba (29 Years)Recently released by Wekundu wa Msimbazi by mutual consent. The number 10 made his name at Thika United but is equally accomplished in deeper midfield roles or on either flank. With his trickery and experience, he’s a weapon that can be used to relieve pressure when the team is pegged back. His work ethic and ball-winning proficiency are perfect in a 4-3-3 formation.Football fans still fondly remember him for his viral free kick in 2013 to shame Nigeria on home soil. Stars have been poor in this department so it’s an added advantage to have a tried-and-tested dead ball specialist in the team.This is an open spot though. Masoud Juma has been used on the left before but so has Paul Were, Clifton Miheso, and Boniface Muchiri.Right Attacking MidfieldCliff Nyakeya – Wazito (26 Years)He was recently signed by Wazito after his contract with Egyptian side, FC Masr, ran out. I like Ayub Timbe a lot, but the formation calls for a versatile attacker. I’m therefore compelled to pick Nyakeya who has rarely put a foot wrong when playing for the country.On the other hand, Cliff Nyakeya has all but confirmed his return to the FKFPL. Move to Wazito FC could be announced before end of week pic.twitter.com/NPTJkPdlAD— Jeff Kinyanjui (@Nyash88) September 13, 2021 Striker Masud Juma Choka – Difaâ El Jadida (25 years)Yeah, I know. I’ve surprised myself with this one too. But truth be told, Olunga’s link-up play has waned in recent years. He’s cost the country valuable points by choosing to punt the ball aimlessly when a simple pass to a better-placed colleague would have seen the team score. He also continues to craft himself as a penalty box striker very similar to Jesse Were. We all know of Jesse’s troubles with the team. A great striker who doesn’t fit the coach’s style.It would therefore be unfair to pair the county’s most dynamic players with a striker who’d likely slow down attacks. Masoud’s flexibility to play on the flanks marks him as a more rounded striker to complement a team boasting the likes of Kahata and Odada.Masoud has also impressed when given the nod to lead the line.Honorable mentionsPatrick Matasi, Brian Mandela, Joash Onyango, Abud Omar, David Owino Ambulu, Victor Wanyama, Lawrence Juma, Gonzalez, Johanna Omollo, Eric Johana Omondi, Paul Were, Mohamed “Messi” Nyanje, Abdalla Hassan, Boniface Muchiri, Kevin Kimani, Cliff Miheso, Henry Meja, Michael OlungaThis is an opinion piece based purely on the thoughts of the writer and not Mozzart Sport the media house
