Former Harambee Stars star Elijah Onsika calls for discipline reforms in national team

Former Harambee Stars, Shabana and Kisumu Posta player Elijah Onsika.[Courtesy]

Former Harambee Stars forward Elijah Onsika has called for urgent reforms in player discipline, following Harambee Stars’ chaotic exit from the Mapinduzi Cup in Pemba. The Stars suffered a disappointing 1-0 semi-final loss to Zanzibar Heroes on Friday night, a match overshadowed by indiscipline both on and off the pitch.

Onsika, who played for the national team in the 1980s and 1990s alongside captaining Kisumu Posta, emphasized the importance of discipline for Kenya’s football development, warning that the recent incidents tarnish the country’s international reputation.

“Discipline is the foundation of success for any footballer,” Onsika said. “In my playing days, discipline was non-negotiable, and it’s what helped us remain competitive, even with limited resources. Without discipline, no amount of talent can take a player or a team far.”

The Mapinduzi Cup debacle exposed glaring weaknesses in Harambee Stars’ rebuilding process ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya is set to host. The semi-final was marred by an ugly confrontation between Kenyan captain Abud Omar and the referee, resulting in Omar’s red card and further unsavoury scenes that cast a shadow over the team's preparations.

“This is not just about one game; it reflects a deeper problem in the team’s culture,” Onsika noted. “The current generation of players needs to understand that they are ambassadors of Kenya. Their behavior on the pitch mirrors our football identity. Swift action is needed to instill professionalism and discipline in the squad.”

Harambee Stars line up at Mapinduzi Cup. [FKF]

Onsika also revealed his ambitions to take a more active role in the national team’s management. With the support of football stakeholders from Nyanza and Western Kenya, he hopes to become Harambee Stars’ team manager in the near future, aiming to rebuild the team’s culture and restore pride in the national jersey.

“My dream is to contribute to the success of Harambee Stars by instilling the values that we upheld during our time,” Onsika added. “With the right support, I am confident we can turn things around and make Kenya a force to reckon with.”

The Harambee Stars’ exit from the Mapinduzi Cup serves as a wake-up call for Kenyan football. As the team prepares to host CHAN 2025, addressing indiscipline and instilling a winning mentality will be critical to restoring the nation’s footballing glory.