The Kenyan national team, the Harambee Stars, is set to begin an intensive training camp in France on Friday as part of their preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Under the guidance of French coach Sébastien Migné, the nearly three-week camp is designed to strengthen team cohesion, improve tactical understanding, and subject the squad to rigorous physical conditioning ahead of the tournament in Egypt.
Prior to their departure for France, the Harambee Stars began initial preparations at the MISC Karasni center in Nairobi. While the full squad could not be present due to the ongoing Kenyan league season, which concludes on Wednesday, Migné used this first phase to assess the majority of his players, getting an early look at their form and fitness. Speaking to the Kenyan Football Federation (KFF), the coach expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the Nairobi camp. “I am satisfied with this first stage of preparation. I had the opportunity to see most of the players (27) in action, which is very important for me for the rest of our program, especially for this second gathering in Marcoussis,” Migné said.
The Harambee Stars enter the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a long history of challenges in the continent’s premier football competition. This qualification marks Kenya’s first appearance in 15 years and only their sixth overall since 1957, despite the country’s passionate football culture. Ranked 108th in the FIFA rankings, the team faces a significant challenge in aiming to advance from the group stage, a goal that would be seen as a major achievement for Kenyan football.
Central to Kenya’s ambitions is star midfielder and captain Victor Wanyama, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. Wanyama’s experience and leadership will be crucial as the team navigates a difficult group in Egypt. Depending on his club commitments, Wanyama could even feature in the Champions League final against Liverpool, adding a further boost to the Harambee Stars’ preparations and morale.
The second phase of preparation in France will be critical for Migné to finalize tactics and build chemistry among the squad. During this period, the Harambee Stars will participate in two friendly matches to simulate competitive conditions and test their strategies. They will face Madagascar on June 7 and Gambia on June 15, providing valuable opportunities to refine their approach and address any weaknesses identified during training. These fixtures will also allow Migné to evaluate player combinations, formations, and game management ahead of the tournament.
The decision to train in France reflects Migné’s commitment to providing a structured and professional environment, away from distractions, where the team can focus entirely on preparation. The French setting, combined with high-quality facilities and controlled training conditions, is intended to elevate the Harambee Stars’ performance and readiness for Egypt.
As the Harambee Stars embark on this critical preparation phase, expectations are high among fans and officials. With a mix of experienced internationals, young talent, and the guidance of Sébastien Migné, Kenya aims to make a meaningful impact at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, seeking to progress beyond the group stage and signal their return to continental football prominence after a 15-year absence.
