As Harambee Stars prepare to host Gabon today at 4 PM in a sold-out Nyayo National Stadium, former national team goalkeeper Arnold Origi has shared an inspiring message, reflecting on Kenya’s return to playing on home soil after a long time.
Origi, who enjoyed an illustrious career with Harambee Stars and recently served as the team’s goalkeeping coach under Francis Kimanzi during the Mapinduzi Cup, took to his social media platforms to express hope and realism ahead of the crucial AFCON qualifier.
Also Read: Harambee Stars record against Gabon
“The Harambee Stars all the best today,” he wrote, before diving into the unpredictability of the match.
Origi acknowledged that the game could go either way, emphasizing the importance of belief and the well-known Kenyan resilience. However, he also pointed out that Gabon, a side with more experience and a real shot at making history, would not be an easy opponent.
“Today’s game might go either way. Sheer belief and the Kenyan ‘hapana tambua’ attitude might be enough to give us the three points we need and want. But also, the too-early days in this new exciting era might leave us short against an experienced side, incentivized by a very realistic opportunity of making history and being immortalized.”
Beyond the technical aspects of the match, Origi’s message carried a deeper sentiment one of pride and celebration. After years of uncertainty and playing home matches in foreign stadiums, Harambee Stars are finally back in front of their home fans. For Origi, that alone is a victory worth embracing.
“Whatever the outcome after the final whistle, today is and should be a celebration. A celebration because our beloved national team is back. Not only back at home but also back to us, the people of Kenya. Back in a way that we can identify with and be proud of. Back with professionalism and style. The atmosphere is different, different in a positive way. The STARS are now in sight. May that sight direct us towards our dream of a shiny footballing future.”
His words resonate deeply, not just with players but also with fans who have long waited for this moment and that has been evident with 22,900 tickets for the match sold out 24 hours before the kickoff.
The atmosphere around the team feels different as the national team has a new technical bench led by Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy who has a new technical bench with him.McCarthy in his first match led the Stars from a 2-0 down to settle for a 3-all draw against The Gambia away a fete that has filled the whole country with renewed optimism and national pride heading into today’s game.
Also Read: Uganda name squad for AFCON U17 Tournament
