Why Mariga rarely misses Harambee Stars training sessions and matches

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President Mcdonald Mariga has been a constant figure in Harambee Stars training sessions and has always accompanied the team for international assignments. 

On the eve of the 2026 World Cup qualifier clash against Gabon, Mariga was pictured knocking the ball around with goalkeepers; Faruk Shikalo and Brian Bwire at the Kasarani Annex, an indication of his commitment to motivating the squad. 

Even before his election into office, along with President Hussein Mohammed, Mariga had been conveying messages of goodwill to the team ahead of international assignments consistently. 

During the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Egypt, he visited the team ahead of their hard-fought 3-2 win over Tanzania, a match skipper Michael Olunga netted twice. 

The former midfielder revealed that he enjoys sparing time and visiting Stars training sessions and being present on match days to mingle and motivate them. 

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"I always wear the legend hat when I am with the team. I love to mingle with the players, talk to them, know the challenges they go through," said the former Real Sociedad midfielder. 

Having played football and won accolades in Europe during his active years, Mariga says it is his duty to offer advice to Stars' players. 

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Among the big titles he won includes the Italian Serie A and the UEFA Champions League with Inter. 

"I love to advise because I have been there before. We just talk football and that is what I love," said the former Parma midfielder.