Francis Kimanzi back on interim as Harambee Stars prepare for Mapinduzi Cup

Francis Kimanzi following action during his previous stint with Wazito. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Francis Kimanzi has been named interim head coach of the Harambee Stars.

Kimanzi will be replacing Turkish tactician Engin Firat, who stepped down following Kenya's failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has tasked Kimanzi with leading the national team as they gear up for the Mapinduzi Cup, set to run from January 3 to 13 next year in Zanzibar.

The tournament offers a critical opportunity for Kenya’s local-based players to gain exposure ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Kimanzi will be assisted by John Kamau and Zedekiah Otieno, while former Kenyan international goalkeeper Arnold Origi has been brought in as goalkeeper coach.

Mikael Igediah will oversee fitness technology, with Wycliff Makanga and Noel Mandi serving as the team doctor and physiotherapist, respectively. These appointments are interim as FKF continues its search for a permanent technical bench.

The Harambee Stars’ provisional squad features a blend of seasoned players and rising stars, with a strong focus on bolstering local talent. The 33-man squad will begin residential training on December 28, 2024, as they prepare for the prestigious regional tournament.

FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga emphasized the importance of the Mapinduzi Cup in Kenya’s CHAN preparations.
“The Mapinduzi Cup offers our local boys a perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming CHAN tournament, and this is why we have honored the invite. We will give the team all the required support to ensure they are settled and ready to concentrate on their job, which is to play football and carry the Kenyan flag high,” Mariga said.

The squad includes key players such as Gor Mahia defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija, midfielders Chris Erambo and Boniface Muchiri, and strikers Sydney Lokale and Moses Shumah. Goalkeepers Byrne Omondi (Bandari FC) and Farouk Shikalo (KCB FC) will anchor the team at the back, while Ovella Ochieng (AFC Leopards) and David Okoth (Kenya Police FC) add creativity in attack.

The Mapinduzi Cup will serve as a litmus test for Kimanzi’s interim technical bench as Kenya seeks to rebuild after their AFCON disappointment. Fans will hope for a strong performance to boost the team’s morale and confidence ahead of future assignments.

Provisional Harambee Stars Squad

Goalkeepers

Byrne Omondi (Bandari FC), Farouk Shikalo (KCB FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks)

Defenders

Brian Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC), Hanif Wesonga (KCB FC), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka FC), Ronald Sichenje (AFC Leopards), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)

Midfielders

Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Musa Katimbi (Kenya Police FC), Michael Mutinda (KCB FC), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Kakamega Homeboyz), Brian Michira (Shabana FC), Ovella Ochieng (AFC Leopards), David Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Isaac Omweri (Nairobi United FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Samuel Kapen (Gor Mahia FC), Darius Msagah (Shabana FC)

Strikers

Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Francis Kahiro (KCB FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz)

Interim Technical Bench

Francis Kimanzi (Head Coach) John Kamau, Zedekiah Otieno (Assistant Coaches) Arnold Origi (Goalkeeper Coach) Mikael Igediah (Fitness Technology) Wycliff Makanga (Team Doctor), Noel Mandi (Physiotherapist)