After the first full training under the guidance of the new Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has opened up on some of the methods embraced by the South African legend. McCarthy was officially appointed on Monday 3 March 2025, replacing Francis Kimanzi, who has served on an interim basis for slightly over two months after the departure of Turkish coach Engin Firat.Ouma has been under McCarthy for less than a week and in an interview with Tata Sports in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, he shared his assessment of the former Manchester United assistant coach.##NAJAVA_MECA_8790145##“Every training was intense which makes players more sharp,” said Ouma.The former Gor Mahia defender also disclosed that team is ecstatic and gearing up for the challenge against Gambia.“The mood is good and I can see everyone is happy to be back to represent the nation which is an important thing and so the game is important for us and we have to win.Every nation is interested in winning and I know that if we prepare well like we have done, we are going to win the match,” he added.Michael Olunga’s message to Kenyans ahead of first home match in 4 yearsThe Kakamega High School alumnus also disclosed that Kenya will need to respect the opponents and stay focused if they are to emerge victorious.“The opponents are equally good and we have to respect them. They have players who play in good leagues and therefore we should not go there underestimating them or ourselves. We should go there focused because we will take the three points if we are more focused,” he added. ‘Misunderstanding’ led to Joseph Okumu being omitted from Harambee Stars squadThe Polish-based defender also dropped a message of assurance to Kenyans that the team will do all it can to get three points. “My message to fans is that we are going there to play our best because we know we are representing the country and not fee individuals so we will compete and try to get the three points, ” he assured.
