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Mariga has explained how Harambee Stars can overcome the threat of Cameroon in order to boost their AFCON 2025 qualification chances.
Former Harambee Stars midfielder Mcdonald Mariga, the first Kenyan footballer to have won the UEFA Champions League, has thrown his weight behind Kenya's chances of overcoming Cameroon in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Despite the formidable reputation of the Indomitable Lions, Mariga remains confident that Kenya has what it takes to secure a spot in next year's AFCON finals in Morocco.
Mariga, who earned global recognition during his time with Inter Milan, believes that with the right support, Kenya can break past Cameroon and book their ticket to Morocco.
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18:55 - 25.09.2024
Why ex-Inter Milan star McDonald Mariga believes he is the right man for FKF top job
McDonald Mariga has given reasons why he feels he is the right man to take Kenyan football forward after throwing his hat in the ring for the presidency.
Speaking ahead of the doubleheader clash, the ex-midfielder emphasized the importance of morale and unity behind the team.
"The team has shown they belong at the top of their group, and they've been playing well to get here," Mariga said. "At this critical juncture, what they need most is every ounce of support. With only a few matches left, they must feel the backing of the entire nation."
A significant concern Mariga raised is the potential distraction payment delays could pose for the players. He stressed that resolving these issues quickly would go a long way toward keeping the players focused and driven.
He also debunked the idea that Cameroon’s squad pedigree—often touted as superior due to their players featuring in Europe’s top leagues—should intimidate Kenya.
"It doesn’t matter that most of their players are in top European leagues," Mariga stated as quoted on Mozzart Sport.
"Our boys are just as capable, and we’ve already shown we can stand toe-to-toe with the best. The reality is, Cameroon could be underestimating us. They might see us as underdogs, but that’s exactly why they should be cautious."
Reflecting on his own experiences with the national team, Mariga pointed out that travel logistics have often been a stumbling block for Harambee Stars.
In the past, Kenya's preparations for crucial games have been marred by lengthy stopovers during travel, sapping the players' energy and focus. He urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Sports to take these details seriously, particularly with the team scheduled to travel to Uganda for a crucial match.
“The biggest issue we faced during my playing days was travel,” Mariga recalled. “We would sometimes have four or five stopovers before reaching our destination, and this can really take a toll on the players.
“FKF and the Ministry of Sports must ensure the team has direct travel arrangements so they arrive well-prepared and rested.”
For Mariga, it’s not just the technical skills on the field that will help Kenya triumph over Cameroon—it’s the mental resilience and belief in their own capabilities.
He insists that, despite the star power within the Cameroonian team, Kenya’s players have proven their mettle by topping their qualification group. According to him, this is proof that the Indomitable Lions might have reason to be wary of the Stars.
"Their squad might have more well-known names, but that doesn’t guarantee victory," he explained. "Our players have shown they can grind out results. We’re not going into this match to just participate; we’re going to win. Cameroon may be cautious of us because they see we are at the top of the table—they’ll know they can’t take us lightly."
Mariga’s belief in the current Harambee Stars team also stems from his own storied career, where he nearly made history in 2009 by becoming the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League (EPL).
Although his move to Manchester City fell through due to Kenya's poor FIFA ranking at the time, his younger brother, Victor Wanyama, eventually broke that barrier, making history by playing for Southampton and later Tottenham Hotspur.
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