National Sports

Kenya coach spies on Flames

Kenya’s coach Francis Kimanzi believes his charges can douse the Flames on Saturday in their opening 2014 World Cup qualifier at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani.

Kimanzi, who watched the Flames play Tanzania in a build-up match that ended in a goalless draw last weekend in Dar es Salaam, is confident that his side can achieve a positive result should they play according to the game plan.

However, he admitted to Cafonline that it will be tough for his charges who lost 2-0 to the Flames during the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in Tanzania last year.

“Malawi has good players and it is also a good side, but like any other team, they also have weaknesses and if we play according to our plans, beating them on Saturday won’t be impossible,” said Kimanzi.

He will welcome returning captain and striker Dennis Oliech to the side. He, however, admitted that he will have to do without Italy-based midfielder Macdonald Mariga and striker Allan Wanga who are both nursing knee injuries.

“It is always good for any coach in the world to have your top marksman fit and ready to play. Oliech is a leader and one who scores vital goals and we have seen that before. I cannot talk of my game plan now, but all I have done is asked my charges to be wary of the threats posed by Malawi,” he said.

Meanwhile, Flames coach Kinnah Phiri and vice-captain Moses Chavula have given their word to the nation that they will fight every inch of the way when they face the Harambee Stars.

Said Kinnah: “The two international friendly matches against Tanzania and Zanzibar have helped us a lot to prepare for Saturday’s game.”

On his part, Chavula said the players are aware that the fans have lost faith in the team because of its recent unsatisfactory results.

“We want to reclaim our trust from Malawians as an emerging continental force,” said Chavula.

The Flames were expected to arrive in Nairobi last night.

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