Henri Michel, former coach of the French national team and with extensive coaching experience in Africa, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Kenya national football team, known as the Harambee Stars. The announcement was made by the Kenya Football Federation, and Michel is tasked with revitalizing a team that has seen a series of disappointing results.
Michel takes over from Francis Kimanzi, who was dismissed in June after Kenya failed to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. The decision to appoint Michel was influenced by his significant coaching experience in Africa, having previously managed teams such as Cameroon, Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, and Equatorial Guinea.
The Frenchman’s wealth of experience on the continent played a crucial role in securing the coaching position with the Harambee Stars. His primary objective will be to guide the team through the qualification process for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The appointment reflects a strategic move by Kenyan football authorities to bring in a coach with a strong track record in African football.
