Former Harambee Stars’ coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has asked players not to underrate Zambia ahead of their African Nations Championships this Sunday.
“I know the Kenyan football fraternity has this notion that the Zambians are pushovers. That is far from it because on a good day, Zambia can be very lethal. Sometimes entering a match as underdogs helps a lot, and that is what the Stars need to do.”
Mulee said, despite the smooth run, Kenya still needs to work on their finishing.
“We need more goals. The tournament, especially here in Nairobi, has been very tight, and this means we must work on finishing,” he said.
Finishing top of Group ‘A’ is vital for Kenya to remain in Nairobi and enjoy home support.
“I don’t think it would be a good idea for Harambee Stars to play Tanzania at this stage,” he said.
“Finishing second would be counterproductive because they will have to play Tanzania away, and you know what that means.
He urged Harambee Stars to avoid red cards at all costs during the remaining matches and have a full-strength squad on the pitch.
“I don’t think Benni McCarthy intended to have 10 men on the pitch despite responding in a very bold way in the last two matches,” he said.
Even though Kenya might qualify depending on the Morocco versus DRC result, the focus should remain on getting the job done.
Away from tactics, Mulee condemned the fans’ behaviour in the last two matches and urged them to smarten up.
The current indiscipline could attract CAF sanctions and hurt Kenya’s preparations for future tournaments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“What is going on in the country is very unfortunate,” he said. “There are people who tend to come to the stadium without a ticket and always force their way in. We need fans to cheer the team and create a good atmosphere, not spoil it.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Mulee praised McCarthy’s impact, saying he had no doubts about his tactical ability after attending two training sessions.
“He has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he has what it takes to lead Harambee Stars,” Mulee said.
“Bringing young players into the fold, rotating the squad, keeping faith in Boniface Muchiri after a quiet game against Angola and giving Ryan Ogam a chance against Morocco speaks a lot about his management style.”
Mulee said McCarthy and his team are efficient in utilising technology. Modern video analysis has made it easier for coaches to focus purely on tactics, he observed.
“During our time, motivation was also a big challenge. We relied on VHS tapes and personal scouting before big matches,” he said, recalling that Kenya’s first-ever Afcon win came without bonuses.
“I am happy this generation has good leadership and motivation from President William Ruto himself.”
The former tactician, now a broadcaster at Radio Jambo and a football commentator, said the young team had shown great promise despite limited time together. He stressed the need to strengthen grassroots development.
“Unfortunately, we tend to focus so much on Harambee Stars, who are the roof of the house and forget about the foundation,” he said.
“Primary school is where we should develop our players. Football education is very important.”
Mulee believes Kenya can qualify for the CHAN final and possibly lift the trophy if they stick to the script.
“It is what you do within the 90-plus minutes that determines your outcome,” he said. “If we keep McCarthy till 2027, this young team will achieve even greater results.”
by CHARLENE MALWA
