Stars eye Burundi in today’s semi as key player remains a doubt

Harambee Star's Head Coach Paul Put during CECAFA Challenge Cup match between Harambee Stars and Tanzania at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County. Dec 8, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

When Paul Put addressed the Press for the first time since taking over as Harambee Stars’ coach, he said his wish was to use the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup as a buildup tournament. But over a week into the regional competition, the 61-year-old Belgian seems to have turned around Kenya’s fortunes, hence revewing his objectives as Stars are now being considered as favourites to reclaim the title they last won in 2013.

 The former Burkina Faso coach has every reason to be proud of his record so far; top of Group A and is unbeaten after four rounds of matches. However, his side’s character comes to real test today (3pm) when they battle the unpredictable Swallows of Burundi in Kisumu. The Burundians are standing on the way of Kenya’s first Cecafa final since 2013.