Former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has reflected on the intense criticism faced during his first stint in charge of the national team, underscoring the challenges of stepping into the role at the youthful age of 35.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsIn an interview with Tata Sports, Mulee revisited his 2003 appointment, a period marred by public scepticism and scrutiny.Gor Mahia defender eyeing move abroad after CHAN exploitsAt the heart of the backlash was his perceived inexperience and the inclusion of several players from Tusker FC, the club he had successfully managed to domestic triumphs.”When I took over at 35, many people questioned my credentials,” Mulee recalled. “There were claims of bias towards Tusker players and doubts about whether I was ready. But I stood by my choices because I had a vision for the team.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9013340##Mulee would go on to defy expectations by guiding Kenya to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia, ending a 12-year absence from the prestigious tournament.He then led the team to its maiden AFCON win, a convincing 3-0 result over Burkina Faso, although the team bowed out at the group stage hurdle with three points.McCarthy explains overlooking Shabana’s Brian Michira in Harambee Stars squadNow, over two decades later, Mulee’s reflections come at a time when current Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy finds himself in the crosshairs of public opinion.The South African tactician has faced growing criticism over his squad selection for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off from Saturday, 2 to Saturday, 30 August##NAJAVA_MECA_9013393##With 21 days to the tournament, Mulee backed McCarthy to succeed, underscoring that preparation length is not the sole determinant of performance.”Many are worried about the limited training time, but success isn’t always about how long you prepare—it’s about how well you prepare,” he said.Gor Mahia to part ways with long-serving duo“The current squad is well-balanced, and I believe they have what it takes to compete.”Mulee, who also led Kenya to the 2003 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup and Castle Lager Cup, called on fans to offer unwavering support during the tournament, emphasising the role of home backing.##NAJAVA_MECA_9013507##”I urge Kenyans to come out in numbers and support the team,” he added. “We’ve seen how the crowd can lift the players—just look at the match against Gabon at Nyayo. That kind of energy can be the difference-maker.”Mulee’s legacy in Kenyan football remains unmatched. With three FKF Premier League titles under his belt at Tusker FC (1999, 2000, 2007) and three CECAFA Club Championship wins (2000, 2001, 2008), his achievements also extend across borders, having led Rwanda’s APR FC to the league title in 2005 and a second-place finish in 2006.
