McDonald Mariga expresses strong confidence in Harambee Stars and urges fans to support them ahead of their crucial match against Gabon.
Football Kenya Federation vice president McDonald Mariga has exuded confidence ahead of Harambee Stars’ clash against Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, March 23.
Harambee Stars hope to emerge on top as they face off against Gabon, the leaders of Group F, courtesy of their 3-0 win over Seychelles on Thursday. Harambee Stars have accumulated six points from five matches.
The former Harambee Stars player urged fans to turn out in large numbers to support the team as they seek crucial points in the World Cup qualifier.
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McDonald Mariga pointed out that he has a great feeling about the potential of the players and they will not let the nation down if fans come out to support them.
“I want them to support our team and come in large numbers and support and I think we shall do well. For this one, I’m very confident,” McDonald Mariga said in a tweet shared by Pepeta.
Harambee Stars are just fresh from a 3-3 draw in an away match to the Gambia. Reacting to the performance of the team, McDonald Mariga revealed that the players did not have enough time to train and work with their new coach Benni McCarthy.
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The former Inter Milan player revealed that despite the little time they had, they managed to fight hard and secure the draw.
Harambee Stars staged a comeback from 2-0 down, with captain Michael Olunga and Mohammed Bajaber sparking the fightback before William Lenkupae netted a last-minute equalizer.
“The preparation was very good but the team assembled very late and there was no time to have tactics with the coach and train well with the coach for a long time. But then they did well and fought hard and we saw what they did on the pitch,” Mariga said.
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Harambee Stars scored a last-minute goal to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw with The Gambia and after the stalemate, they have it all to do to claim a first-ever World Cup ticket.
He explained that at the moment, he interacts with the players as one of them and not an official since he wants to know what they are going through.
McDonald Mariga noted that he wants to ensure they are comfortable in order to produce great results on the pitch.
“I think we have a good team for now…when I’m with the team I don’t think I’m the vice president, I’m an ex-player and I love to mingle with the team and to talk to the team, to know their challenges and give them some advice. I’ve been there and I know the challenges they go through I think when I’m with them, I’m a legend and I talk to them,” he added.
As Harambee Stars look forward to rising to the occasion and securing a vital victory against Gabon on Sunday, the presence of fans will play a crucial role in boosting their confidence.
