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Harambee Stars assistant coach William Muluya has given the reasons he thinks Kenya will do well at the 2027 AFCON which will be hosted in East Africa
Harambee Stars assistant coach William Muluya has described Engin Firat’s team building as “a process” that needs “consistency” ahead of the side’s crunch World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles this November.
The youthful coach who also doubles up as Kariobangi Sharks head coach is a key part of the Kenya national team set-up under Firat, who is trying to get the team to have an identity when the competitive fixtures begin.
Kenya have taken part in friendly matches against Iran, Pakistan, Mauritius, Qatar, South Sudan and Russia, and it has at least allowed Firat to come up with a solid spine which will be counted on when the World Cup qualifiers commence.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Muluya expressed his admiration for the Turkish head coach, insisting he had done a lot of homework on his squad.
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08:41 - 16.09.2023
FOOTBALL Why Michael Olunga should not be judged on goals alone despite Harambee Stars drought
Michael Olunga has faced criticism from a section of Kenyan fans over his lack of goals for Harambee Stars but he brings much more to the side
"He is an experienced coach and has invested a lot in doing background checks of all the players," says Muluya, who contributes his own vast knowledge of Kenyan football alongside fellow assistant Ken Odhiambo.
The trio are trying to rebuild the team following a nine-month Fifa ban because of government interference which ruled them out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
And the Harambee Stars have produced encouraging friendly performances recently, including a 2-1 win in Qatar, a draw with Russia and a narrow defeat to Iran.
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08:00 - 22.10.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars’ depth: Will it be strong enough for the 2026 World Cup and AFCON 2025 qualifiers?
How deep is Harambee Stars squad ahead of the start of a year stocked with competitive fixtures that include the 2026 World Cup and AFCON 2025 qualifiers?
Their next assignment is a 2026 World Cup qualifying group containing Ivory Coast, Gabon, The Gambia, Burundi and Seychelles.
"Firat's philosophy is already taking shape - the consistency and understanding is there," claims Muluya.
"We have identified the best talents available and the next step is to create a bond between them and make them work as a team. It is a process that needs consistency."
Harambee Stars will be taking part in a lot of competitive fixtures in 2024, with the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the CHAN qualifiers taking place then, aside from just the 2026 World Cup fixtures.
Kenya, alongside East Africa neighbours Tanzania and Uganda will host the 2027 AFCON, and Muluya believes the national side can perform well, saying he is relishing the prospect of making his own contribution.
"If someone's mother, girlfriend or kids were watching, who would not want to give their best performance?
"I foresee Kenya doing well - and what an honour it will be serving as an assistant coach at such a historic moment."
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16:00 - 26.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama snubbed in MLS accolades
Wanyama disappointed as CF Montreal teammates shine, failing to secure any accolades in the 2023 MLS season.
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