Stanley Okumbi proving to be the right choice for Harambee Stars

Harambee Star's Coach Stanley Okumbi, left, and New Technical Director Andresa Spiers during U17 dinner at Kasarani, Nairobi, on Monday night, July 18, 2016. PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Nobody gave Stanley Okumbi a chance when he took over the Harambee Stars coaching job from Scott Bobby Williamson in February 2016.

Just like Arsene Wenger when he arrived at Arsenal 20 years ago, many questioned Okumbi's credibility.

The 35 year old coach's appointment was criticized from all quarters with the criticism increasing after a gambled selection in a twin 1-0 defeat to Guinea Bissau that dented Kenya's 2017.

AFCON qualification hopes. But like a father to a son, Football Kenya Federation stood by him.

"The fans are on my neck and that is why we need to win today,” Okumbi said ahead of Kenya's 2-1 victory over Congo in their dead rubber Group E Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers tie at the Kasarani Stadium, on June 5.

However, nine months later, three wins, four draws and two losses, the former Mathare United coach is proving to be the right man to bring back the lost glory glory to Kenya.

It may be premature to commend Okumbi, but it is good to give credit where it's due as more fans are now starting to believe in him.

At first glance it looked impossible, but having extended his unbeaten run to seven games after Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Black Mambas of Mozambique, whether with ugly wins or not, Okumbi is slowly reviving the national team's enthusiasm.

"The unbeaten run is important to us, but we still have alot to do. We need to control the game especially when we are playing at home," said Okumbi after his third win against Mozambique.

Although Okumbi has been criticized for 'recycling' players in the team, he seems to be keen to implement his footballing philosophy of giving opportunity to new players as he build a team for the future.

It is during his reign that the likes of Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma (Gor Mahia), Ulinzi Stars' John Makwatta, Ismail Gonzalez (Las Palmas), Michael Ovella Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks) and Calvin Odongo (Posta Rangers) have earned their national team debuts.

It is because of such opportunities that Ouma has been able to star for his club this season as Abouba Sibomana fall down to the pecking order at K'ogalo.

"That was a wonderful performance from Calvin. To be honest, we were somehow weak in front of our midfield because they decided to pack it, but when we brought him in, we neutralized them. They were out of the game and we started controlling it again," Okumbi spoke of Posta Rangers midfielder Calvin Odongo's debut performance against the Black Mambas.

"The new players we are bringing on are showing that they are able to deliver, so expect more new players as we continue with our rebuilding process ahead of next year's assignments." Mozambique coach Abel Xavier also backed Kenya to be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.

"That was a good game of football from two teams that are in a building process. I think both teams have a great future. With this set up, I think Kenya will do well in the CHAN tournament,"said Xavier.

However, it remains to be seen which approach Okumbi will employ against the unpredictable Lone Stars of Liberia in what could be a real test for him in tomorrow's international friendly match at Kasarani.

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