Two things impress Ghost Mulee in 1st Harambee Stars training

The local-based players who held their first training session on Monday left Harambee Stars head coach Jacob Ghost Mulee impressed ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt and Togo in March.

A total of 28 players from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) were called into the squad on Friday 5 January as preparations for AFCON qualifiers hit high gear.

Speaking after the first training session, Mulee was taken aback by the pace displayed by the players and the morale of the boys in the training camp.

“What I'm pleased with is that a lot of players have very good speed on the ball and also the spirits are showing on day one. This means that if we continue like that by the time we hit the fourth week we will have a good team that we pick from the local boys and combine with the abroad based players which gives you a good feeling that we will have a good match,” said Mulee.

Six new call ups in Ghost's Harambee Stars

The former Tusker FC head coach revealed that the training session was aimed at gauging the new six new call ups and added that the players will have a double training session on Tuesday before returning to their respective clubs.

Elvis Rupia who is making a return to the side after banging 10 goals thus far in the league noted that the recall will spur him to put in an extra shift.

“Being recalled to the national team makes me work hard to at least make it in the final squad. All players will be ready for the clash against Egypt because the spirits in the camp are high and everyone is raring to go,” he said. 

It will be interesting to see who Mulee will pick to deputize Michael Olunga as Rupia and Eric Kapaito possess a rich vein of form this season with the latter leading to the top scorers' charts with 12 goals. 

Kenya host Egypt on Monday 30 March before traveling to face Togo on Tuesday 30 March with only wins in both games enough to keep their hopes alive to make it to the 2021 tourney.