Kenyan football has faced a significant setback following the Harambee Stars’ failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe on November 15. With one match remaining in their qualification campaign, the result ended Kenya’s hopes of reaching the 2024 tournament in Ivory Coast, leaving the nation with much to reflect on regarding the state of its football.
In the aftermath of the team’s elimination, former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, who guided Kenya to the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia, has spoken out about the root causes of the country’s football struggles and proposed solutions for long-term improvement. Mulee, who has managed the national team in multiple stints, emphasized that the key to Kenya’s football woes lies not in physical fitness, but in the technical development of players.
Jacob Mulee Highlights Lack of Football Education
Mulee, who led the team to a memorable AFCON appearance in 2004, where Kenya secured a win over Burkina Faso but lost to Mali and Senegal, expressed his frustration at the country’s lack of progress in continental football. “It hurts me that Harambee Stars did not qualify,” Mulee said in an interview on TV47 News. “The next step? AFCON is gone, and our World Cup hopes are slim. What do we do now?”
He stressed that the core issue facing Kenyan football is a lack of “football education” among players. “Kenya’s football problem is not physical; it’s technical. We need more football playing than just running. Our players lack the technical ability to compete at the highest level.”
Mulee suggested that the solution lies in overhauling the development structure, particularly by integrating younger players from the Under-20 team, which has qualified for the 2025 AFCON. “We need to get the young players into the Harambee Stars, and phase out the older generation who have not been able to make a mark,” Mulee said. “We need to start from the grassroots, focusing on technical skills, and build a football culture that will allow us to compete in future tournaments.”
Focus on 2027 AFCON and CHAN 2025
Looking ahead, Kenya will turn its attention to hosting the 2027 AFCON, where Mulee believes the country can make strides if the technical development of players is prioritized. In the shorter term, Kenya will co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2025 with Uganda and Tanzania, another opportunity for the nation to showcase its talent and potential.
Oliech Calls for Kimanzi to Replace Firat
Meanwhile, former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech has weighed in on the future of the national team’s coaching staff. Oliech has suggested that Francis Kimanzi should replace current coach Engin Firat. Kimanzi, who managed the team between 2008 and 2011, has been lauded by Oliech for his impactful tenure, and many believe he could bring the technical expertise needed to revitalize the squad.
Engin Firat’s Record Under Scrutiny
Firat, who has been in charge of the national team for 23 matches, has faced criticism for his mixed record. Under the Turkish coach, Kenya has won seven matches, drawn seven, and lost nine, yielding a win percentage of just 30.4%. Of the seven victories, only three have been in competitive fixtures, further fueling debate over Firat’s ability to lead the team to greater success.
As the future of Kenyan football remains uncertain, Mulee’s call for a shift in focus towards youth development and technical training may be the key to unlocking the nation’s potential on the continental stage.
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