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Stars seek consolation in third prize against Tanzania

Thursday, December 19th, 2019 00:00 | By
Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi during the team’s training at Namugongo grounds. Photo/PD/ RODGERS NDEGWA

Rodgers Ndegwa in Kampala

After suffering a humiliating loss to lowly ranked Eritrea in the semi-finals of the Council for East and Central African Football Association (Cecafa) which reaches its climax today, Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi will be desperate for a consolation in a repeat match against rivals Tanzania today.

It’s, however, not going to be a walk in the park, especially after labouring to beat the same opponent 1-0 in their opening Group B match a fortnight ago.

Speaking on Tuesday after their shocking 4-1 loss to Eritrea who are ranked 205 in the world, Kimanzi said his charges would be driven by the desire to make amends when they renew their rivalry with Tanzania who lost 1-0 to hosts Uganda in semis.

“After conceding cheap goals against Eritrea, I believe the players have picked themselves up and ready to give fans back in Kenya a consolation gift by finishing third.

It will be a good opportunity to give players who have not played in this tournament a chance to show their worth,” Kimanzi told People Sport.

New rules

Meanwhile, long serving Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye yesterday stepped down from the position he has held for more than 20 years.

The announcement was made at the body’s General Assembly meeting at Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala.

At the meeting, Tanzania’s Football Federation (TFF) president Wallace Karia was elected the new president for the regional body, replacing Mutassim Gaffar for the next four years.

According to the new rules set up by Confederation of African football (CAF), the newly elected president will have two deputies, Francis Amin of South Sudan and Essayas Jira of Ethiopia.

Musonye, who immediately announced his plans to vie for the Kakamega County governorship in 2022, said he will make sure there is a smooth handover of power to the next governing body.

“Since CAF’s new set-up removes the position of Secretary General and replaces it with Deputy General who will be picked after vigorous exercise and followed by proper vetting, I will help the new office bearer settle in well in office,” said Musonye.

He added: “I leave the institution with my head high as it was dead before I came and revived it despite the challenges, now after more than 20 years in service it is time to go home and serve the Kakamega people.”

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