LESSONS FROM TOUR de CAIRO

Bottomline: An underrated talent who made Tottenham midfield enforcer, Victor Wanyama look like a Kariobangi Sharks player.

Personally I never expected Harambee Stars to qualify for the last 16, any Kenyan who had a contrary thought is a pretender. Harambee stars never disappoint, how on earth did you expect them to edge out either Senegal or Algeria to the last 16. Football might be an unpredictable sport though;Peru stunned a star studded Chilean contingent 3-0 to reach the Copa America final just the other day and The Penguins of Madagascar exorcised the Nigerian demons of age forgery to top Group B.

The two are not isolated Peru qualified for the 2018 World Cup at the expense of Chile,Paraguay and Ecuador. The Peruvian side is also not short of depth within their ranks boasting  seasoned players led by their talismanic skipper Paolo Guerrero Gonzales (35), Yoshimar Yotún Flores (29), André Carrillo (28) and the injured Jefferson Farfan (34). As for The Barea they have to thank Ahmad Ahmad for putting in place structures that have made their football flourish since he took the reins at the Malagasy Football Federation in 2003.

Our goose was cooked the moment teams were pooled in groups no amount of overseas training at the shores of the Mediterranean or warm up matches would have changed our fate.
We did our best escorting Senegal and Algeria to the last 16 as we converged in one corner table with our Tanzanian brothers to debate who between their star forward Mbwana Samatta and Engineer Michael Olunga is the best goal poacher in the region. Olunga 2-1 Samatta that was the result.

Lessons from tour de Cairo;

There is Only one Johanna Omollo; Calm,composed and collected he was the one pulling strings for Harambee Stars in the midfield. An underrated talent who made Tottenham midfield enforcer, Victor Wanyama look like a Kariobangi Sharks player. Migné realized he blundered opting for Kahata ahead of Cercle Brugge Omollo in the starting eleven. His introduction in the second half in the first match against Algeria proved he was a costly commission.
Harambee Stars Midfield Maestro Johanna 'Tosh' Omollo shielding the ball against  Algerian opposition[/caption]

Football commentators and pundits have continuously mixed up the two Johannas in the squad Erick Johanna Omondi the former Mathare United man and Johanna Ochieng Omollo the midfield linchpin from Dandora. There is only one Johanna Omollo the other one is Erick Omondi so stop the confusion please.

Club vs Nation; When one stars for club it doesn't necessarily mean he will transfer his form to the national side. We have seen stars who have failed to replicate their club form at the national team,Lionel Messi tops the list. Francis Kahata, Victor Wanyama, Philemon 'Mbish' Otieno and David 'Calabar' Owino were culprits in Cairo.

Zambian League is a Scam; Sébastien Migné might be wrong about many things but he is right about the Zambian Premier League, it's a scam. Jesse Jackson Were's omission stirred a lot of public debate but the performance of Musa Mohammed and David Owino who are top defenders in that league proves he was right. Who wouldn't score 30 league goals with such defenders? We should only allow copper miners to ply their trade in Zambia not footballers.

Amina is exceptional; love or loathe her,give credit where it's due. We all remember the kinds of memes that went around when Ambassador, Dr. Amina Mohamed was given lighter duties at the Sports ministry replacing 'boxer' Rashid Echessa after it appeared the shoes of Dr. Fred Matiang'i were too big for her to fill. Her organizational skills are definately exceptional we all know what she did when she was at foreign affairs. The preparation for the tourney were top notch there were no complains arising flight delays, accommodation and allowances.

For the first time Harambee Stars had a training camp in Europe, foreign players arrived on time and no one is complaining about unpaid allowances. Nigeria with all their oil had go slows over unpaid allowances, Cameroon,Uganda and Zimbabwe also had go slows over unpaid allowances. Amina has that magic touch everything she touches turns to gold.

Toothless Sharks; With all due respect FKF President Nick Mwendwa should stop forcing toothless sharks (former and current) down the throat of national team. Masoud Juma, Ovella Ochieng' and John Oyemba only went to collect allowance in Egypt. Migné in his right mind knew he couldn't play the trio under whatever circumstances but for the sake of his job he had to tag them along. Sony Sugar custodian Kevin Omondi is far much better compared to Oyemba, Jesse Jackson Were despite playing in the Zambian league is better than goal shy Al-Nasr Benghazi forward Masoud Juma who hasn't scored a goal in 8 months.

[ Joseph Okumu and Michael Olunga in a training session[/caption]

Bright Future; we still have brighter prospects of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Going forward we should build our attack around Olunga and John Avire, our defence around Joseph Okumu and Erick 'Marcello' ; and  our midfield around Johanna Omollo and Ayub Timbe.

Big Names No Game; Our big name players never rose up to the ocassion as they did during the qualifiers. With Joash 'The Berlin Wall' Onyango injured hopes for clean sheets were dim though it provided the opportunity for Joseph 'Crouch' Okumu to show Kenyans what he is capable of. Wanyama was missing in action as he played conservatively touching the ball sparingly thinking about his place in the future plans of Mauricio Roberto Pochettino now that Tanguy Ndombele has just arrived from Lyon ,Philomen 'Mbish' Otieno was nursing Gor Mahia hangovers always absent minded and full of kindergarten errors whereas Aboud Omar wasn't anywhere close to the Aboud Omar we know.

Concentration is King, Communication is Queen; Most of the goals we conceded were due to lack of concentration and miscommunication. Philemon 'Mbish' Otieno and Patrick Matasi were always at loggerheads at the back with Matasi constantly shouting 'Mbish' all the time as Wanyama and Omino who were supposed to engineer everything defensively weren't communicating at all. Matasi always switched off at the begining or end of the match something he needs to work on.

Tribal lenses; When we lose its because of Raila Odinga visited the Stars prior to their match against the Desert Foxes and people from Western Kenya who are mostly his supporters forming 99.999% of the national team. But when we win its a Kenyan win, when we hammered Magufuli's boys. This madness of sacrificing patriotism on the alter of tribalism should end mostly on social media, lets not tribalize sports which is talent based.

National Selection; Squad selection should be based on natural selection not under hand maneuvers and past achievements. Some deserving players such as Sony Sugar custodian Kevin Omondi, Ulinzi Stars forward Enosh Ochieng, talismanic Bandari forwards Abdallah Hassan and Yemi Mwana. Spineless Sébastien Migné bends into the whims of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President and Kariobangi Sharks owner, Nick Mwendwa selecting under-deserving Kariobangi Sharks players to please his paymaster. Who picks two goalkeepers from one club to be part a national team John Oyemba and his back up Brian Bwire as part of a 30 man provisional squad, who does that?

Bring Back Adel Amrouche; We need a coach who has a deeper understanding when it comes to African football for us to have any chances of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup or even qualifying for the knockout stages in the 2021 African Cup of Nations. If we stick with Sébastien Migné qualifying for the 2021 AFCON will be a pipe dream for he is a man who is rudderless,clueless,spineless and gutless full of guesswork. He never had a first eleven as he continuously changed the starting eleven.

Master tactician Adel Amrouche[/caption]

This shows a coach who doesn't have a plan, the only plan that made stars to qualify for the 2019 tourney were put in place by Paul Put whom FKF (Football Kenya Federation) couldn't ensure he stays put due to salary issues, look at the magic he has done with Guinea, they are in the AFCON knockout. The last time we came close to qualifying for the world cup was when Adel Amrouche,a master tactician made all sorcerers to be called into action as we held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Calabar as they scampered for survival.Bring Back Amrouche.....

Positive Criticism; Those who had 'wet dreams' that Harambee stars were going to reach the knockout stages at least were certainly a disappointed lot. Personalizing insults towards individual players calling them unprintable names isn't how to go about the disappointment. Instead opt for constructive positive criticism not insults; these players have mothers,wives and children, how do you think they feel when you hurl abuses towards them for (mis)representing their country.

EURO 2016: CLASH OF THE TITANS

Euro 2016 is one of the most competitive soccer tournament’s since most of the countries have well-structured soccer frameworks which is evident courtesy of their youth systems and soccer leagues which are not only the best but also competitive.

Group A

It might appear as the easiest on paper but in football anything happens if you think am lying ask any sports betting investors to explain using diagrams how Slovakia whitewashed Germany 3-1 at WWK Arena, Augsburg,Germany.

Albania: is the weakest team on paper the only player who is ‘known’ is FC Nantes star defender/defensive Midfielder who doubles up as the skipper Lorik Cana the rest are ‘just’ 10 players who managed to put together a magical show so as to qualify for EURO for the first time.

France: they double up as the tournament favorites and group favorites. Have a huge pool of talent in all playing departments which gives Coach Didier Deschamps endless nightmares on who to field in his star studded squad. With the likes of Tottenham Hotspurs shot stopper Hugo Lloris who also doubles up as the skipper for both club and country, midfield play maker Paul Pogba, Midfield maestro Blaise Matuidi (PSG) set piece specialist Dimitri Payet and mercurial forward Antoine Griezmann one would say EURO is theirs to lose.

Inset: French foward Antoine Griezmann

Romania: well-known their it’s either we draw or we win strategy which they effectively deployed during the qualifiers that saw them go unbeaten hence seeing off one of Europe’s formidable soccer powerhouse Greece to end their eight year wait thus qualify for the tournament. Forcing draws seems to be their specialty having done so against Italy and Spain who are 2006 and 2010 World Cup Winners in friendlies. All their standout players happen to be players in the defensive position from star Fiorentina FC shot stopper Ciprian Tatarusanu to defenders Vlad Chirches (Napoli), skipper Razvan Rat (Espanyol) and Cristian Sapunaru thus conceded a single goal in the qualifiers

Switzerland: also favorites to qualify from this group courtesy of their stand out players such as Juventus defender and team skipper Stephan Lichtsteiner, Granit Xhaka (Borussia Monchengladbach) Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City), Admir Mehmedi(Bayern Leverkusen) shot stopper Roman Burki (Borusia Dortmund) and Eren Derdiyok (Kasimpasa)

Verdict: France and Switzerland to qualify as number 1 and 2 respectively.

GROUP B

Another group which appears to be easier in paper but either Wales or Russia might surprise the three lions. The only team guaranteed direct qualification is Slovakia who have perfected the art of team work which have made them beat World soccer powerhouses such as Germany and Spain and are on an eight match unbeaten run which does not seem to end anytime soon. Arguably the dark horses in the tournament qualifying for the first time as an independent nation though the former Czechoslovakia won the 1976 European championship.They boast of standout individual talent such as double skipper Marek Harmsik who captains both club, Napoli and country, Liverpool star defender Martin Skrtel and Viktoria Pilzen hitman Michal Duris.

Wales: They are the underdogs by default in the group. Viewed as a one man show team courtesy of their stand out, world class, Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale. With most of their players plying their trade in the second tier league, Championship in England not much is to be expected from them.Other notable players include in form Crystal palace shot stopper Wayne Hennessey, Swansea City skipper and star defender Ashley Williams, Tottenham hotspurs defender Ben Davies and Liverpool’s defensive midfielder Joe Allen.

Russia: Having one of the oldest squad with an average age of 30.The youngest member of the squad being CSKA Moscow instrumental young midfielder Aleksandr Golovin who is doubtful to be given a starting role ahead of experienced Roman Shirokov (CSKA Moscow) and Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow).It is also one of the three squads which has two brothers, Vasili and Aleksei Berezutski. All their players apart from Shalke 04 center back Roman Neustader play in the top flight Russian premier league thus know each other well a factor that has made the players to jell together easily.Other instrumental players include experienced CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akineev and Zenit St Petersbrough talisman Artem Dzyuba.Their pool of seasoned player will play a role to ensure their qualification to the next round.

England: The three lions always have a relatively star studded squad year in year out but always fail to rise up to the occasion at international competitions. All eyes will be on skipper and country’s top scorer Wayne Rooney who was inconsistent at club level due to injury issues and dip in form. Newcomers such as Leicester City hitman Jamie Vardy, Tottenham hotspurs midfielders Eric Dier and Bamidelle ‘Dele’ Alli alongside talismanic striker Harry Kane are expected to steer the three lions to glory.

Verdict: Slovakia to qualify as number 1 England and Russia to fight for the second slot.

Group C

Germany: are obviously the as group favorites due to their pool of talent and individual brilliance. Having recovered from a 3-1 humiliation at the hands of Slovakia by hammering Hungary 2-0 to built confidence levels among players. Key players include Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos and Bayern Munich trio of Manuel Neur,Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller.

Northern Ireland: If the number of teams in this competition hadn’t been increased to 24 from the previous 16, they would have never qualified for the competition. The most notable thing is the squad has two brothers Corry and Johnny Evans. The weaklings in the group with most of their players plying their trade in Scotland, second and third tier leagues in England. Their notable players include Manchester United bench warmer Paddy McNair, West Bromwich defender Johnny Evans,former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy carroll and Watford defender Craig Cathcart.

Poland: Having exited the tournament at the group stages at the 2012 tournament which they co-hosted alongside Ukraine. They have a pool of talented players more so in the final third courtesy of last season Bundesliga and Eredivisie top scorer Robert Lewandoski(Bayern) and Arkadiusz Milik(Ajax), Arsenal-As Roma loanee shot stopper Wojciech Szczesny,,Borussia Dortmund star defender Lukasz Piszczek and skipper Jakub Blaszczykowski (Fiorentina)

Ukraine: Their counter attacking type of play plus their defensive tactics that ensures all the ten players are behind the ball. Their 4-3 win against Romania, which forced draws against Spain and Italy shows they are no pushovers. Notable players include former Bayern Munich defendensive midfielder Anatoliy Tymoschuk and Sevilla Midfielder Yevhen Konoplayanka.

Verdict: Germany to qualify as number 1, Poland and Ukraine square it out for number 2.

Group D

It also appears to be a straight forward group with Croatia and Spain being seen as automatic candidates for the two slots due to the big names in their ranks. Turkey and Czech Republic will not be easy pushovers.

Croatia: Having big names in their ranks in all playing departments from mercurial Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramaric, Fiorentina forward Nikola Kalicinic,Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic,Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric, Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic and As Monaco shot stopper Danijel Subasic.

Czech Republic: Are viewed as the underdogs in this group due to fewer big name players compared to their rivals in the group. Their stand out players happen to be Arsenal players, goalkeeper Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky.Other instrumental players are Sparta Prague attacker David Lafata, Bursaspor forward Tomas Necid and Werder Bremen fullback Theodor Gebre Selassie.

Spain: Their possession style of play courtesy of the vast number of Barcelona players in their ranks seems to be their major strength, however, it might backfire if they play against counter attacking opponents such as Turkey. Their backline seems to be their major headache but they expect cushioning from the midfield. Influential players include playmakers Cesc Fabregas(Chelsea).Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Andres Iniesta(Barcelona) David Silva (Man City),forwards Alvaro Morata (Juventus) and Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea)

Turkey: Are expected to put up a fight for the second their counter attacking kind of play and set piece execution techniques make the dangerous against any opponent. Instrumental players include midfielders Arda Turan (Barcelona), Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayern Leverkusen),Yunus Malli (Mainz 05),Nuri Sahin (Borussia Dortmund) and lethal Beijing Guoan attacker Burak Yilmaz.

Verdict: Croatia and Spain to qualify

Group E

The most unpredictable group in the tournament making it the group of death. Belgium has the golden generation of players who are both young and versatile, Italy have a pool of experience in international competitions, Republic of Ireland has one of the best teamwork which saw them miss 2014 World Cup qualification by a whisker courtesy of poor match officiating whereas Sweden plays the most physical yet skillful game.

Belgium: Has one of the youngest squads in the tournament with a few experienced players in their ranks. Arguable the golden generation of players the country has ever produced. Standout players include Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Tottenham Hotspurs defending duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen,As Roma defensive midfielder Radja Nainggolan,Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne,Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, Everton front man Romelu Lukaku,Liverpool Divock Origi and Christian Benteke.

Italy: has a pool of experienced players from 2006 world cup winners including keeper and skipper Gianluigi Buffon(Juventus),defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli both of Juventus and As Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. Southampton striker Graziano Pelle and Torino forward Ciro Immobile will lead the frontline.

Sweden: Their captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic is their stand out player who is out to prove why he is among the highly rated strikers in the World by guiding the team to the finals.Other notable players include Norwich City right back Martin Olsson,Torino centre back Pontus Jansson, Sunderland midfielder and set piece specialist Sebastian Larsson, Hamburg SV midfielder Albin Ekdal and Celta Vigo forward John Guidetti.

Republic of Ireland: Might be viewed as underdogs but poses a great threat due to the well coordination in their playing units. Standout players like Southampton striker Shane Long ,LA Galaxy talisman Robbie Keane, Everton right back Seamus Coleman, Aston Villa centre back Ciaran Clark, Sunderland centre back John O’Shea,Everton midfielder James McCarthy and West Bromwich Albion winger James McClean.

Verdict: Anyone can qualify and anyone can fail to qualify.

Group F

The easiest group in the tournament with two definite minnows, Hungary and Iceland. However in football everything is possible.

Austria: Having big names in European football such as Bayern Munich wingback David Alaba, Stoke City talisman Marko Arnautovik, Stuttgart’s Martin Harnik and Tottenham Hotspurs Kevin Wimmer. The second qualifying spot seems to be a guarantee.

Iceland: With most of their players plying their trade with Scandinavian clubs they have few players who ply their trade in mainland Europe. Their notable players include Nantes striker Kolbein Sigthorson and Swansea City set piece specialist Gylfi Sigurdsson who will need to pull up something special to ensure they qualify.

Hungary: Their only standout player being Hannover’s Adam Szalai, qualifying for the knockout stages will require a combination of self-belief among players, teamwork, magic and luck.

Portugal: Seen as a one man team due to the shadow effect of two time Ballon d’Or winner and Real Madrid Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. The squad has other influential players such Pepe (Real Madrid), Eder (On loan to Lille from Swansea) and As Monaco midfield anchor Joao Moutinho.

Verdict: Portugal and Austria to qualify as position 1 and 2 respectively.