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Written by Robin Toskin | The Standard | August 28, 2012
"The hunger that has hope for its satisfaction does not kill," so goes an African proverb.
Such is the hunger for football success that on Tuesday; Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will take a leap of faith to unveil reputed Frenchman Henri Michel as Harambee Stars coach.
Michel guided France to third place at Mexico ‘86; two years after winning Olympic gold medal and left an indelible print in Morocco by guiding the Atlas Lions to the 1998 World Cup in his home country.
Despite FKF's guarded silence over who is to be named coach, chairman Sam Nyamweya conceded it will be a Frenchman.
"He matches FKF's and the Kenyans' aspirations. We listen to Kenyans. And when the people speak you have to pay attention. Whoever we will unveil, webelieve will galvanise us all as a country so we can tap into the abundant talent," Nyamweya said.
"After sifting through two thick files of applications, of which over 60 were European coaches we felt we had our man. Not because the others are not good, but because we believe he can meet our targets for now," Nyamweya said.
Asked if FKF would afford Michel's salary because of his hugely impressive CV, should he be named coach, Nyamweya said tongue-in-cheek, "cheap is expensive" before adding:
"It does not have to be Michel for us to worry about huge salaries. To have a coach of the highest calibre calls for hard work on our part and that is why we invite corporate partners to share in our vision which if it succeeds it will be their success also."
Opinion is divided as to whether Kenya needs a foreign coach. Callers to KTN Sports Final programme on Saturday said more money should be put into youth development instead of hiring an expensive coach. However, some also said there was need for a coach of high pedigree who could command respect among players.
Top government officials led by the Prime Minister Raila Odinga will grace the occasion together with Sports Minister Paul Otuoma and Harambee Stars sponsors East Africa Breweries Limited.
Michel will have the tough task of helping the national team bounce back to winning ways after a poor run of results. His immediate task will be to prepare the team for the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.
But more importantly lay the foundation for Kenya's football by overseeing the growth of all national teams.
"The hunger that has hope for its satisfaction does not kill," so goes an African proverb.
Such is the hunger for football success that on Tuesday; Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will take a leap of faith to unveil reputed Frenchman Henri Michel as Harambee Stars coach.
Michel guided France to third place at Mexico ‘86; two years after winning Olympic gold medal and left an indelible print in Morocco by guiding the Atlas Lions to the 1998 World Cup in his home country.
Despite FKF's guarded silence over who is to be named coach, chairman Sam Nyamweya conceded it will be a Frenchman.
"He matches FKF's and the Kenyans' aspirations. We listen to Kenyans. And when the people speak you have to pay attention. Whoever we will unveil, webelieve will galvanise us all as a country so we can tap into the abundant talent," Nyamweya said.
"After sifting through two thick files of applications, of which over 60 were European coaches we felt we had our man. Not because the others are not good, but because we believe he can meet our targets for now," Nyamweya said.
Asked if FKF would afford Michel's salary because of his hugely impressive CV, should he be named coach, Nyamweya said tongue-in-cheek, "cheap is expensive" before adding:
"It does not have to be Michel for us to worry about huge salaries. To have a coach of the highest calibre calls for hard work on our part and that is why we invite corporate partners to share in our vision which if it succeeds it will be their success also."
Opinion is divided as to whether Kenya needs a foreign coach. Callers to KTN Sports Final programme on Saturday said more money should be put into youth development instead of hiring an expensive coach. However, some also said there was need for a coach of high pedigree who could command respect among players.
Top government officials led by the Prime Minister Raila Odinga will grace the occasion together with Sports Minister Paul Otuoma and Harambee Stars sponsors East Africa Breweries Limited.
Michel will have the tough task of helping the national team bounce back to winning ways after a poor run of results. His immediate task will be to prepare the team for the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.
But more importantly lay the foundation for Kenya's football by overseeing the growth of all national teams.