South Sudan coach Stefano Cousin optimistic ahead of Harambee Stars friendly

© South Sudan Football Association (Twitter)

FOOTBALL South Sudan coach Stefano Cousin optimistic ahead of Harambee Stars friendly

Festus Chuma 18:03 - 11.09.2023

Bright Stars face Harambee Stars in a friendly, aiming to gauge their footballing potential and future prospects..

South Sudan's national football team, the Bright Stars, are readying themselves for a crucial encounter against Kenya's Harambee Stars, in a highly anticipated international friendly match. 

As both teams gear up for a pulsating clash at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Tuesday, it is not just about winning, but a litmus test for South Sudan's footballing future.

This encounter comes on the heels of South Sudan's encounter with Mali, a game that saw them succumb to a 4-0 defeat in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Bamako. 

However, the Bright Stars remain undeterred and are looking at this friendly as a crucial platform to measure their progression and potential.

"My expectation is to play against Kenya and see how our team performs. They are a strong team, ranked higher than us in the FIFA rankings, being around 100th. We want to gauge our potential for the future,"  Cousin remarked.

A significant point of solace for South Sudan is that they will be entering the game with no injuries on record.

Moreover, two of their three pivotal players, who were conspicuously absent in the recent clash against Mali, are expected to return for the friendly against Kenya.

"In my opinion, we are continually improving and playing better with each game," Cousin opined, highlighting the trajectory he envisions for the squad.

Football fans keen on catching the action live can secure their seats at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani for a fee.

Tickets for the VIP dias are priced at Ksh500, while the general terraces are available for Ksh200.

Given the teams' reputations and the historical significance of such matches, the stadium is expected to witness a considerable turnout.

In a magnanimous move aimed at fostering football culture among the younger generation, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has declared that football academies can bring their budding talents to watch the game without incurring any charges. 

This initiative, aimed at inspiring young footballers, underscores the Federation's commitment to the sport's grassroots development.

For South Sudan, it's a chance to assess their strengths, rectify their weaknesses, and build towards a brighter footballing future.

For Kenya, it's an opportunity to showcase their prowess and consolidate their position in African football.

With regional pride, potential scouting opportunities, and the sheer love of the game at stake, this friendly is sure to leave an indelible mark in the annals of East African football.