Williamson not worried with four days left to Cape Verde match

GOR-AFC Gor Mahia Coach Bobby Williamson during their KPL match against AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 27/07/14.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson says he is not worried that Cape Verde are ranked way above Kenya in the Fifa rankings ahead of Friday’s first leg of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers at the Kasarani stadium.

Cape Verde, whom Kenya beat 1-0 to qualify for the 2004 Africa Nations Cup finals in Tunisia, moved nine places up to position 32 in the world and fourth on the continent in the Fifa rankings released last week.

On the continent, the Blue Sharks are 34 places ahead of Harambee Stars, who moved two places up from position 40 to 38. Kenya is now ranked 125 in the world, having moved six places up.

Cape Verde come into Friday’s match as favourites having featured in the last two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations championships in South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.

However, as the two sides prepare to lock horns for the first time since since 2003, Williamson insists the rankings and history will count for nothing.

“I am not concerned or worried at all by Cape Verde’s rankings because on match day, any team can win. My focus is to prepare the boys and not dwell on the statistics,” Williamson told FeverPitch.

“They have really improved since they last played Harambee Stars, but for me, neither the rankings, nor history will bother me. We are optimistic of getting good results.”

Unlike Cape Verde, who have been camping in Portugal, Harambee Stars’ preparations have been disrupted by lack of quorum since the team reported to camp last Friday.

Gor Mahia, Ulinzi Stars and Bandari players were featuring for their respective clubs in the KPL Top 8 and GOtv Shield tournaments at the weekend, while the foreign-based players led by captain and Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama are expected in the country tonight.

“Only 15 players reported to camp on Friday, but we expect Gor Mahia, Ulinzi, Bandari and foreign-based players, who were called up to join us by Tuesday latest,” said the former Uganda Cranes coach.

“With the squad we have, I am confident we will do well.”