Kimanzi: Emerging Stars coach says his side can make Olympic history

Harambee Stars's assistant Coach Francis Kimanzi train at Kenya School of Monetary Studies grounds ahead of their match against Swaziland. [Jonah Onyango]

Kimanzi upbeat on U-23 chances

Kenyan youngsters beat Mauritius 8-1 in a two legged qualifier as they eye Tokyo 2020 slot.

After thrashing Mauritius in the first round of the 2020 Olympic qualifiers, Emerging Stars coach Francis Kimanzi believes the team can make history by playing in Japan.

Kimanzi says the huge scoreline is an indication of the strength and motivation in the team which was playing just its second competitive match since being formed.

The team was formed in February and played its first match one month later which comprised of two friendly matches away to Uzbekistan.

“I decided to maintain almost the entire team that played in the friendly matches something that has given us continuity and we all saw the impressive results they picked against Mauritius.

“If we are able to keep the same players and then pick results on the way then anything is possible including playing in the Olympic Games,” he said.

Kenya has never qualified for the Olympic games in football and Kimanzi will be hoping that his Under 23 side will be the first Kenyan team to do that.

After knocking out Mauritius, Kenya will take on either Sudan or Seychelles in the second round. The two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg and were scheduled to play last night in the return leg.

The winner in the second round will be invited to take part in an eight team tournament to be held in Cairo late next year from which the top three teams will proceed to the Olympic games.

Kimanzi has also emphasised the need to keep the team intact so as to get good results in future.

“It is important we work with these players for a longer period of time if we want to get the results we want. These are the same ones who will be considered for duty with the national senior team Harambee Stars.”

He pointed out that the motivation to play in the senior team has also done a lot to motivate the current squad.

“They see themselves in the senior team in a few years to come and that keeps them going. The motivation is there even as they pick wins on the way and it can only get better,” Kimanzi said.

He further said that he was looking at more players to be given a chance to show their worth in the team.