Football Kenya Federation executive committee member Hussein Terry Saturday said the boys were in “upbeat mood” after the hefty financial pledge from the President and that they are itching to go for Nigeria’s’ scalp.
“The boys are happy. They are relaxed and very ready for the impending war. The atmosphere we are having in camp is great, and the financial pledges have lifted their morale,” Terry said.
On Friday President Uhuru Kenyatta promised Sh3 million as reward for a win against mighty Nigeria in Wednesday’s crunch World Cup qualifier.
Nairobi senator Gideon Mbuvi “Sonko” also promised to top up the President’s reward with Sh1 million.
The latest arrivals in the camp Saturday were Celtic midfield powerhouse Victor Wanyama who is expected to captain the side on Wednesday’s tie in the absence of suspended skipper Dennis Oliech.
Mugubi alongside Sanlam Santos centre half Brian Mandela took part in yesterday’s morning training session.
The duo’s arrival completed the list of foreign-based players in camp that includes Oman-based duo, Jamal Mohamed and Kepha Aswani, Johanna Omollo, Patrick ‘Armando’ Osiako, Dennis Oliech and David Gateri.
But Oliech is ineligible to play the Nigeria game as he suspended with two yellow cards. Gateri is unlikely to feature though because of a groin injury.
The team is set to shift camp to the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani tomorrow, the venue of Wednesday’s clash to put final touches on their game plan as well as have a feel of the ground.
Stars trained in Naivasha Saturday behind closed doors. Meanwhile the Nigerian Football Federation has kept their Kenyan counterparts guessing over the exact date and time of the Super Eagles’ arrival. Terry said that they had written to the NFF seeking the date of the visitors arrival, but had not received any response.
“We haven’t been able to book them in any hotel because we do not know their date and time of arrival.” The Super Eagles are largely expected to jet in on Tuesday, just a day to the match. The match referees from Cote d’Ivoire are expected in Nairobi tonight.
Meanwhile, Issa Hayatou, the president of Confederation of African Football is expected in Nairobi this week and will likely watch the big match.
According to Nigerian paper Daily Post, the Cameroonian, who has been at the helm of Caf since 1987, is expected to arrive in Nairobi tomorrow.
Sought anonymity
“Hayatou has confirmed that he will attend the Kenya versus Nigeria match. He (Hayatou) will jet into Nairobi on June 3. Hayatou has a good relationship with Kenya FA chairman Sam Nyamweya and wants to be part of the crowd at Kasarani on Wednesday (June 5),” the source, who sought anonymity, told Goal.com Nigeria.
Elsewhere, Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) “Friends of Harambee Stars initiative” is tomorrow expected to receive donations from various corporate institutions.
The initiative, which is managed by a public relations firm, BTB Proactive, was launched last month by Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero to help raise Sh250 million to fund Harambee Stars’ activities.
Officials from both FKF and BTB Proactive are expected to receive donations from UAP Insurance, Nairobi Water and Credit Bank, amongst other institutions during a press gathering scheduled for Monday.
“We thank Kenyans for their support thus far. We are heading into a very crucial period and preparations are needed because Kenya stands a chance of qualifying for a first ever Fifa World Cup tournament,” FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya stated.
The initiative has also set up a Short Message Service (SMS) promotion in which mobile subscribers can send Harambee Stars support messages to the to 20870 at a cost of Sh20 per short text message.
Already President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko have collectively pledged sh. 4 million towards the Harambee Stars squad, if they beat Nigeria in a highly billed World Cup qualifier at Kasarani on Wednesday.Elsewhere,
