K. TeyaKimanzi explains why Kahata could not reach Jamal Mohammed's level
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 08.05.21. | 14:18
Francis Kahata has struggled to step into Jamal Mohammed's shoes.
Former Harambee Stars and current Wazito FC coach Francis Kimanzi has explained why Francis Kahata could not fill Jamal Mohammed’s boots for the national team.
Jamal, a midfielder full of flair and skill is regarded as one of Kenya’s best-ever creative midfielders. He played for the country for close to a decade before hanging his boots in 2016. He has since moved to business.
Kahata an equally skilful player was touted to fill Jamal’s boots once the midfield maverick exited but that has not come to pass and he is no longer part of the national team set-up
During the Radull Live show on Saturday afternoon, Kimanzi lauded Jamal. He also revealed that they tried to push Francis Kahata who currently turns out for Simba SC to reach Jamal’s level but he just could not reach his level.
Have a great birthday, Francis Kahata ???????????????? #NguvuMoja pic.twitter.com/MXHk2GM1O8
— Simba SC Tanzania English (@SimbaSC_EN) May 4, 2021
“We tried to push Kahata to that level but there was that quality difference between the two players, he could not replace Jamal. Jamal was strong, quicker, with good balance, a good dribbler and you could not take the ball off him easily. Kahata is clever, a good dribbler but he is not strong, he tries to avoid tackles and he could not replace him. We have not replaced Jamal and I do not see a player who can replace him right now,” he said.
Kimanzi also praised Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama who says thrives in tight spaces without losing the ball easily. Fans have been on Wanyama's neck for 'slowing down' the game when playing for the national team but Kimanzi does not share the same sentiments.
“Victor is a special player. My ideal type of player is one who can come out of a tight situation without losing the ball and that’s Victor, he plays very well in tight spaces. For fans, they may say that he is slow but for a coach that’s not slow, he is fast for a defensive midfielder. There are a lot of fast players who cannot play in that position because they will make mistakes,” he added.
Kimanzi left the national team in Ocotber 2020 and was replaced by Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee.
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