Do not stop fans, coach Hey tells Fifa

By James Waindi

Harambee Stars coach is disappointed by the tough new rules stipulating that only 36,000 fans would be allowed to watch Kenya’s match against Mozambique at Kasarani on Saturday.

Stars are expected to host the Black Mambas of Mozambique in a crucial 2010 World Cup/Africa Nations Cup qualifier at the 60,000- seater Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, after Nyayo National Stadium was banned by world ruling body, Fifa.

World football governing body Fifa on Tuesday directed local federation Football Kenya Limited to allow a maximum of 36, 000 fans for the duel sighting safety reasons.

"This is unfair and I am disappointed with Fifa’s action. It will be a vital match for us and we need maximum support as the home team," said Hey.

"In Abuja two weeks ago, we played in front of 65,000 fans and the atmosphere was fantastic. The Abuja stadium has almost the same seating capacity as Kasarani, so I don’t know why we are being restricted to only 36,000 fans," said Hey.

The German tactician, however, said they do not have any reason for not winning against Mozambique.

"We would have loved to be cheered by a massive crowd because it plays a big role, but we are going for nothing less than a win against Mozambique no matter what," said Hey.

Hey was confident with the team’s progress and promised fans the players will score goals that have been elusive lately.

"Everyone knows what is at stake. The players are focused and the discipline is very high. We can’t wait for Saturday.

Matter Of Time

"I would like to assure fans of great goals on Saturday and there should be no cause for alarm because we created a lot of chances against Tunisia and Nigeria and I believe it is only a matter of time," Hey said.

Stars camp was yesterday a full house after the arrival of US-based striker Taiwo Atieno, Auxerre striker Denis Oliech and Norway based Arnold Origi. Former captain Robert Mambo and defender George Owino also resumed training after recovering from injuries.

Mambo had a groin injury before the Nigeria fixture in Abuja, while Owino suffered a knee injury in a last minute goalmouth melee against the Super Eagles.

Hey is expected to name his final 18-man team on Saturday, three hours before the match.

"I have to play with my cards close to my chest. I already know the kind of game plan I would use for Saturday’s match but I’m not sure about three positions because all players are highly commited.

I would name my 18-man team on Saturday at 11 am," said Hey who currently has 22 players in camp.

Mozambique is expected in the country tomorrow.36,000 fans," said Hey.

The German tactician, however, said they do not have any reason for not winning against Mozambique.

"We would have loved to be cheered by a massive crowd because it plays a big role, but we are going for nothing less than a win against Mozambique no matter what," said Hey.

Hey was confident with the team’s progress and promised fans the players will score goals that have been elusive lately.

"Everyone knows what is at stake. The players are focused and the discipline is very high. We can’t wait for Saturday.

"I would like to assure fans of great goals on Saturday and there should be no cause for alarm because we created a lot of chances against Tunisia and Nigeria and I believe it is only a matter of time," Hey said.

Stars camp was yesterday a full house after the arrival of US-based striker Taiwo Atieno, Auxerre striker Denis Oliech and Norway based Arnold Origi. Former captain Robert Mambo and defender George Owino also resumed training after recovering from injuries.

Knee Injury

Mambo had a groin injury before the Nigeria fixture in Abuja, while Owino suffered a knee injury in a last minute goalmouth melee against the Super Eagles.

Hey is expected to name his final 18-man team on Saturday, three hours before the match.

"I have to play with my cards close to my chest. I already know the kind of game plan I would use for Saturday’s match but I’m not sure about three positions because all players are highly commited.

I would name my 18-man team on Saturday at 11 am," said Hey who currently has 22 players in camp.

Mozambique is expected in the country tomorrow.

 

Read all about: Mozambique Kasarani 2010 World Cup/Africa Nations Cup Fifa

 

 

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