Harambee Stars ready to skin Mambas

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama training at Kasarani Stadium on October 9, 2019.

Nkana FC defender Harun Shakava has admitted he is thrilled to make a return to the national team Harambee Stars.

The former Gor Mahia defender is hoping to help Stars fish out Mozambique’s Mambas in Sunday’s international friendly match at Kasarani Stadium.

Shakava, who signed a two-year deal with the Zambian Super League giants two months ago, has been out of the national team since May last year.

He made a comeback to Francis Kimanzi’s side alongside his Zambian-based counterparts Ian Otieno of Red Arrows and Zesco United’s Anthony Akumu.

Zesco talisman Jesse Were, who pulled out of last month’s 1-1 friendly draw against Uganda is also back in the team.

The team which reported to their residential training camp at Kasarani on Sunday is now at full-house following the arrival of Kashiwa Reysol striker Michael Olunga on Wednesday.

Team Captain Victor Wanyama, who has been out of action for Tottenham in the English Premier League joined the team on Monday.

Mozambique are expected to jet into the country today.

This will be the final build-up match for Stars following the cancellation of the Libya friendly ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers in November.

Kenya will start their qualifying campaign on November 11 away to Mohamed Salah’s Egypt before hosting the Sparrowhawks of Togo at Kasarani on November 19.

“I’m grateful and happy to be back in the team. I thank the coach (Francis Kimanzi) for giving me another opportunity. I’ve come here with a lot of motivation and ready to repay the faith the coach has shown in me,” Shakava told Standard Sports.

“So far the training has been fine and the competition is very stiff, but I will continue working hard and pushing myself. We hope for the best.”

Shakava’s sentiments were echoed by Stars’ coach Francis Kimanzi, who appears to have been pleased with the team’s progress in training.

“The team’s training sessions are good and if we keep the morale, we will be able to get a positive result,” said Kimanzi.

This will be Kimanzi’s second match on his third stint as Stars’ coach.