Zanzibar Vs Kenya, Awassa Stadium – Ethiopia,4PM.

Harambee Stars made their work lighter by winning their first group “A” match against Uganda 2-0 before drawing 1-1 with Burundi making today’s tie against the whipping boys Zanzibar a mere fight to retain the leadership of the group.

Zanzibar Heroes are winless to this end and are expected to offer minimal resistance to Kenya’s objective of the day. The Heroes will be without Amy Ali and Ali Mwadini who were sent off against Uganda Cranes as they are serving a ban.

Stars Coach Bobby Williamson hinted at a massive squad overhaul due to fatigue – up to nine regulars, including prolific striker Michael Olunga could be rested today to pave way for the rest of the players who have not been active for the defending champions.

KPL top scorer Jesse Were is expected to lead the attack assisted by Azam FC forward Allan Wanga. At the back, Gor Mahia FC central defense partnership of Musa Mohammed and Harun Shakava could play out at the national stage, with Tusker’s Kevin Kimani expected to start ahead of Clifton Miheso on the wing.

For Zanzibar, only a win coupled with favorable results from other matches of the group to be played tomorrow could hand them a life line as they are as good as out of the 2015 CECAFA Kagame Cup.

Sam Nyamweya promise.

In another development, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Sam Nyamweya has committed in writing to paying Harambee Stars allowances by Monday 30. This comes in the wake of threats by the playing unit not to honor remaining matches without their accrued dues.

The assurance is a morale booster as the team can now fully focus on the work ahead.

The Letter:

Dear Waliaula,

Greeting from Nairobi!

Congratulations for the great performance exhibited in CECAFA for the two matches played so far. We are also confident for a win tomorrow against Zanzibar.

We at the Federation are happy and proud of the team’s performance so far and believe that you will definitely retain the Cup.

The Federation commits to pay the allowance as below:-

1st Phase – quarter finals – allowances will be paid on Monday 30th Nov, 2015. An official from the Federation will be in Addis on Monday.

2nd Phase – Finals – outstanding will be cleared.

Kindly note we cannot pay allowances in advance.

Best regards and greetings to the team,

Sam Nyamweya, MBS
President, Football Kenya Federation.

@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