James Situma explains Harambee Stars CHAN squad selection criteria and why it is vital to improve the football structures in the country.
Former AFC Leopards defender James Situma believes Kenya has the talent to help Harambee Stars succeed at the African Nations Championships set for August.
The former international opines that success can only be realised based on good preparations and using the right criteria when selecting players for the biennial championship that will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“We have to select the team of local players based on merit. We have the talent in the country and it will be key for us to succeed if proper work is put in play. I am sure we have what it takes to go far in the tournament,” Situma told Citizen Digital.
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Kenya has been criticised for lack of thorough preparations in past competitions, making it more important for the current Football Kenya Federation new leadership to change that tide.
The former Tusker and KF Tirana player detailed how it is important to nurture talent from a tender age. Situma, who also donned the Sofapaka colours, backed the FKF leadership led by Hussein Mohammed to improve the football standards in the country.
“They have the passion to develop sports, and I believe they can take Kenyan football to the next level.”
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“Every country in the world that has proper football structures always succeeds in many tournaments because they develop talent from a very young age,” he added.
The postponement of CHAN has given the country the opportunity to put its house in order and accord Harambee Stars the necessary support needed to deliver the title after being placed in the ‘Group of Death’.
The Stars are in group ‘A’ alongside Morocco, Angola, DR Congo and Zambia. Stars are tipped to maximise on the home advantage and the 12th man to sail through the group stages of the competition although it won’t be a walk in the park.
Harambee Stars’ participation in Mapinduzi Cup early this month was a step in the right direction but a lot more is needed for the squad to create and improve its chemistry.
