By Robin Toskin

Twahir Muhiddin has called on Kenyans never to allow again the kind of turmoil that preceded their 3-2 defeat to Nigeria that shattered Harambee Stars’ dream of an Africa Cup of Nations showing in Angola next year.

The AFC Leopards technical director, who deputised German Antoine Hey at the National team, said it was time for Kenyans to believe in their own people and accord them every support they need to handle Harambee Stars.

In a most revealing interview with FeverPitch after the defeat to Nigeria, Twahir said there was a point in time in the camp when the players found it hard to communicate with Hey, which in the end affected the team.

Technical Council of Elders’ from left: James Siang’a, Mohammed Kheri and Vince Ombiji . Photo: Stafford Ondego/Standard

At one point, it is said, Twahir and Hey had a verbal spar, which the former confirmed to FeverPitch on Sunday.

"We were desperate, we needed Edgar (Ochieng’), but Hey would hear none of it. I think I was vindicated yesterday by his performance but he could do better. The intensity, speed and strength needed at international level is different. Had Edgar been there all along, you never know how things would have been."

Asked if it was wrong to sack Francis Kimanzi at a time Stars were doing well, Twahir said: "You never know, but yesterday’s performance shows local coaches can do it if they are accorded the support given to foreign tacticians."

He said: "We have made mistakes collectively. I think to have brought in Hey at that point was a big mistake as he did not do enough to connect with the players. At one point I wanted to quit, but I thought my patriotism would be questioned with the Nigeria tie so near."

While paying tribute to the input of the "Technical Council of Elders" that included James Siang’a, Vince Ombiji, Mohammed Kheri and Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, Twahir called for high intensity friendlies and challenged the Government to come in strongly to support Harambee Stars.

"You could see we lacked that intensity that comes with exposure. We had defensive lapses that allowed Odemwingie (Peter) and Obafemi (Martins) to punish us," Twahir said.

Saying he is ready alongside the four coaches to lead Harambee Stars through the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that begins on November 28 in Nairobi and Mumias, Twahir said talk of youth football is enough and time for action is now.

"It is imperative that we move from mere talk to real practice, and be strict to the letter," he said.

He added: "Whether we like it or not, we have to develop players at an early age." Twahir called for a drastic shake up of the Nationwide League to enable young players come through it into the Kenyan Premier League.

Ombiji, a Kenyatta University coach and who was part of the technical team constituted after Hey’s departure, said local club coaches must work on defensive discipline of players.

"We made so many defensive mistakes, time and again, not manning our blind sides of defence. At such higher levels, you will always be punished like we were yesterday. It is a problem that ran through our campaign, conceding in Mozambique, Tunisia and now Nigeria," he said.