Francis Kimanzi appointed interim coach as Harambee Stars prepare for Mapinduzi Cup

The Football Federation of Kenya (FKF) has officially named Francis Kimanzi as the interim head coach of Harambee Stars ahead of the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup.

Kimanzi will lead the national team as they gear up for the tournament, which will run from January 3 to 13 in Zanzibar.

Kimanzi’s 30-man provisional squad is a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents aimed at strengthening the team for future competitions.

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The squad is expected to report to residential camp on December 28, where preparations will kick into high gear.

FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga emphasized the significance of the Mapinduzi Cup in preparing the team for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

“The Mapinduzi Cup offers our local boys a perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming CHAN tournament, and this is why we have honored the invite,” Mariga stated.

“We will give the team all the required support to ensure they are settled and ready to concentrate on their job, which is to play football and carry the Kenyan flag high.”

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Joining Kimanzi on the interim technical bench are assistant coaches John Kamau and Zedekiah Otieno, while former international goalkeeper Arnold Origi will serve as the team’s goalkeeper coach.

Mikael Igediah has been named fitness technology coach, with Wycliff Makanga and Noel Mandi taking up the roles of team doctor and physiotherapist, respectively.

These appointments are temporary as FKF continues its search for a permanent technical bench.

Kimanzi’s selection as interim coach comes at a crucial time as Harambee Stars seek to rebuild and give local talent a chance to shine.

Renovation works are ongoing as Kenya faces race against time to host CHAN but LOC chairman Nicholas Musonye believes Kenya will stage a successful tournament.

The Mapinduzi Cup, which features teams from across East Africa, provides an ideal platform for players to showcase their skills and gain vital experience.

The squad includes a mix of familiar names and promising newcomers, reflecting Kimanzi’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent while relying on experienced players for leadership.

The training camp will focus on refining tactical approaches, improving fitness levels, and fostering team spirit ahead of the competition.

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Goalkeepers

Byrne Omondi (Bandari FC), Farouk Shikalo (KCB FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks)

Defenders

Brian Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC), Hanif Wesonga (KCB FC), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka FC), Ronald Sichenje (AFC Leopards), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)

Midfielders

Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Musa Katimbi (Kenya Police FC), Michael Mutinda (KCB FC), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Kakamega Homeboyz), Brian Michira (Shabana FC), Ovella Ochieng (AFC Leopards), David Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Isaac Omweri (Nairobi United FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Samuel Kapen (Gor Mahia FC), Darius Msagah (Shabana FC)

Strikers

Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Francis Kahiro (KCB FC), Benjamin Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz)