Kenya’s senior team skipper Victor Wanyama of Southampton FC – England is in Nairobi ahead of Friday 13th tough duel against Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in the 2018 FIFA World Qualifiers. Big Vic trained with the rest of Harambee Stars squad comprising mostly home based pros at the Nyayo Stadium this morning.

Also present during the session are; Clifton Miheso (Vaasan Palloseura – Finland), Teddy Akumu (Al Khartoum – Sudan) and Allan Wanga (Azam – Tanzania). The rest of the foreign legion including goalkeeper Arnold Origi of Lillestrom – Norway, David Owino of Zesco United – Zambia among others are expected to continue trickling in from today onwards.

Earlier the Kenyan FA had sent a passionate plea to the foreign based players to use their money to purchase air tickets and come for the match assuring that the federation would refund them as they were not in a position to cater for the same immediately.

In an email seen by Soka25east.com, the FA president Sam Nyamweya urged them to put country first as they have done before and come for the match. There have been claims of the FA not keeping their word on the same making some players reluctant to buy their own tickets.

The Letter:

Dear esteemed player

I salute you for your unwavering show of patriotism and service to our great nation through playing for the national senior men’s team and I wish to thank you most sincerely on behalf of the Kenyan people – we are all proud of you as you pursue your football professional exploits abroad.

May I assure you that we do not take it for granted that you have made great patriotic sacrifices and commitment to honoring national team duties…As president of football, I humbly request that you make your travel plans as we work with government to ensure you get your money back immediately you arrive in camp for preparations ahead of the home match on Friday, November 13th 2015 and the return leg away in Praia on Tuesday November 17th 2015.

This is a very critical match for us all, you as a player and the 40 million Kenyans who love the game and we highly count on you to deliver the promise of our hope to qualify for the group stage of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Qualifiers.

I give you my word on this.

Regards.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com