Kenya coach Kimanzi delighted after sealing World Cup Group stage - World Cup 2014

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Kenya coach Kimanzi delighted after sealing World Cup Group stage

11-16-2011

Kenya coach Kimanzi delighted after sealing World Cup Group stage

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Kenya tactician Francis Kimanzi has hailed his troops for beating Seychelles 4-0 and booking a place in the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Kenyan tactician singled out the team’s first round 3-0 victory in Mahe and today’s performance in Nairobi as a clear indication that the team is ready to take on African giants.

Cafonline.com spoke to Kimanzi after the match.

Cafonline.com: What do you feel after another convincing victory against Seychelles?

Kimanzi: I’am very happy that we have now qualified for the Group stage. I like the way we did it scoring seven goals in aggregate. It was a game we had to win and I’ am very delighted that our performance today was spot on. We had a lot of confidence going into the match and it paid off because we finished off the game in the first half.

Cafonline.com: How do you rate your team after the two-legged encounter?

Kimanzi: I still believe that we still have got a lot to do to come up with a strong team. We have a young team and we need to work hard to build it. First of all we had to win this match then…. we start rebuilding this young team. With the new football association office in place, I believe we will be given the opportunity to work on this team and am confident that they will deliver the goods.

Cafonline.com: Kenya’s left-back position as been a problem. Even today, Dennis Odhiambo, who was playing in the position was looking shaky and not defending well. What are your future plans on the position?

Kimanzi: I admit that we have had a very big problem in the left-back position but we will have to encourage Odhiambo to keep playing. It takes a process before you get a better replacement and encouraging Odhiambo will be a good medicine. We will discuss this as the technical bench and see what to do.

Cafonline.com: Why did you substitute Captain Dennis Oliech in the second half?

Kimanzi: I had to substitute Oliech because of tactics. I also wanted to try the team without Oliech upfront because we have the Senior Challenge Cup coming up in Dar es Salaam later this month. I also have to admit that Oliech suffered a knock during the first leg match and he had to be rested.

Cafonline.com: Kenya is now in the same group as Nigeria, Malawi and Namibia. What are your team’s chances?

Kimanzi: Let’s not talk about that now. We have now qualified to the Group stage and must remain focused. Let’s wait until we cross the bridge because every team in the tournament is beatable. We have to keep our heads high and prepare well for the qualifiers. I have hopes that we have the capability of reaching Brazil in 2014.

Cafonline.com: What are your next assignments and plans for the team?

Kimanzi: We now have to turn our attention to CECAFA regional tournament in slated for Tanzania. We have a duty to deliver the Cup for Kenyans and that is why we want to prepare well for the tournament. I have a strong believe that this team has a great future. I also want to use the tournament to gauge local based players.

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