BY FRANCIS ONTOMWA

Kenya: The decision to pull out Harambee Stars skipper Dennis Oliech during the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria last Saturday has not skipped the attention of football tacticians.

Local coaches have criticised the move, arguing it was uncalled for and could have had a hand in the equaliser that consoled the Nigerians, but have at the same time praised the national team for the tough display.

Tacticians Alfred Imonje of Muhoroni Youth, former Sony Sugar and Western Stima coach Henry Omino contested the move.

“Oliech proved that he was the biggest player for Kenya in the game and his presence was reassuring and inspiring to the team.

“We needed him to the end to pile up pressure in Nigeria’s custody, things just changed when he was replaced,” said Imonj.

However, he acknowledged that Stars made a good account of themselves.

Oliech was replaced with Christian Bwamy in the last minutes of the encounter, moments after which Nigeria equalised.

Veteran coach Omino opined that Oliech would have handled the numerous moves Nigerians made that killed Stars’ ambitions of writing history of beating the African champions on their own soil.

“He would have played psychological games with the Nigerian defence by holding back the players. Once he got out, we saw them move in strongly and this is the time we were drowned,” said Omino.

Western Stima assistant coach, Hezbon Nyabinge, however, differed with the duo and, instead, said Bwamy’s introduction into the game was a bright decision to slow down the pace.

“He has holding skills and I think he was purposely brought in to do so. We cannot attribute the loss to Oliech’s removal. They did well and we should support them to do better in future matches,” said Nyabinge.

Nyabinge appealed for early preparation before the return leg, arguing that Kenya still had a chance to turn around things and qualify.

Mature display

“It was mature display. The boys had synchrony and, despite sitting at bottom end of Group F, we still have an opportunity to qualify. All we need is to start focusing early,” noted Nyabinge.

Coach Imonje asked Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to accord national team coach Adel Amrouche a favourable environment to guide Kenya in the remaining matches.

“He has started well. A coach can be as good as anyone would want to imagine and what is important is to provide support and goodwill,” stressed Imonje.

Meanwhile, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has been urged to put much more focus on the team, adds Ernest Ndunda.

Former Harambee Stars international Elijah Onsika said Stars need to play more international friendlies before they play their next World Cup qualifier in May.

“Harambee Stars performance in Nigeria need to be improved for the team to realise its dream of playing in 2014 World Cup in Brazil,” said Onsika.

Onsika who is a Confederation of African Football instructor said more friendlies would benefit the Stars ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.