STARS WARY OF SHARKS BITE: Williamson expects tough match as Wanyama unhappy with preparation

Harambee stars coach Bobby Williamson looks on during their Africa Cup of Nation Qualifie against Zambia match at Nyayo stadium on Sep.6 2015.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Kenya coach Bobby Williamson expects a difficult match when Harambee Stars take on the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in the first-leg match of the 2018 World Cup Qualifier at the Nyayo National Stadium tomorrow.

This will be the first time in over a decade since the two teams last met in 2003 when Harambee Stars beat Cape Verde 1-0 en route to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Tunisia.
But since then, the Islanders have made great strides as they are currently ranked fourth, 34 places ahead of Kenya in Africa and have graced the last two editions of the continental showpiece.

Although Harambee Stars training camp have been boosted by the arrival of foreign-based duo of Johanna Omollo (Antwerp, Belgium), Christian Bwamy (Follo FC, Norway) and David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), the Scot certainly has his time cut out as he prepares to juggle the team between two competitions; World Cup qualifiers and Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

However, the former Uganda Cranes boss has urged his charges to replicate their away performance against Mauritius tomorrow.

“Being the hosts, there is always the pressure to deliver results. We are representing Kenya and it would be good if we start on a positive note. We know it will be a tough match, but we will give our best,” Williamson told Feverpitch.

“We scored five goals away from home against Mauritius and that shows the potential we have. So we need to draw our motivation and confidence from that performance. We have a totally different team that will face Cape Verde on Friday (tomorrow) but we need to be organised and make our fans proud.

“We have a very tight schedule this month as we have to train for two competitions. As we prepare for the two legged match against Cape Verde it is our duty to ensure the guys who will go to Ethiopia train because soon after coming back we will travel to Addis Ababa.

“Most of the players are here apart from Jacob (Kelli) Mandela and Arnold (Origi). We will see how things turn out today and pick it up from there,” he added.

Commenting on the absence of the injured Belgian-based Ayub Timbe, Williamson said: “Timbe is one of our key players and we will for sure miss him, but I think we have other quality players who can play in his position. He played very well against Zambia but it is also an opportunity for others to prove their worthiness.

Captain Victor Wanyama expressed his disappointment over the preparations but urged his teammates to give their best.

“As usual the preparations have not been that good. It’s just up to the players to motivate themselves because we know the problems we are going through. We will give our best,” said Wanyama.

“Preparations are not always perfect but we are trying hard to work with what we have. Let fans come in large numbers and support us,” added Wanyama.

The Cape Verde team was due to jet in last night.