Uganda Cranes match perfect tie ahead of Zambia showdown, says Okumbi

Harambee Stars defender Joash Onyango in action during their training session on August 17, 2016 at Ruaraka ground. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Stars are out of contention for the continental showpiece
  • Okumbi said that it was important to weigh their preparedness against a strong opponent.
  • Okumbi has at the same time hailed the progress of the youngsters whom he added to camp last week saying they are the future of the team.

Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi believes the friendly match against Uganda Cranes will give his side a solid platform to benchmark their performance before they face Zambia in their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Stars are out of contention for the continental showpiece and as they prepare for the dead-rubber match, Okumbi said that it was important to gauge their preparedness against a strong opponent.

Okumbi has at the same time hailed the progress of the youngsters whom he added to camp last week saying they are the future of the team.

Tusker winger Danson Kago, Gor Mahia’s centre-half Harun Shakava, Robinson Kamura (Mathare United), Collins Omondi (Posta Rangers) and Western Stima’s Joash Onyango are some of the new additions in the squad who have impressed Okumbi.

“So far everything is OK. I’m impressed by the desire of the new call-ups because they are the future,” he said.

Okumbi will on Thursday release several players to link up with their clubs for the weekend GOtv Shield matches while the few who will remain in camp will continue with the workouts. The foreign-based players are expected to begin trickling in at the weekend.

After tackling the Uganda Cranes on August 30 in Kampala, Stars will set their eyes on the Chipolopolo of Zambia whom they confront on September 4 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The Stars are bottom of Group E with four points while minnows Guinean Bissau have already bagged the Cup of Nations ticket on 10 points. Congo and Zambia each have six points.