Migne set for Harambee Stars bow against Swaziland

What you need to know:

  • Swaziland coach Anthony Mdluli is also keen to fine-tune his charges ahead of the Cosafa Cup which kicks off in South Africa on Sunday.

Friday's international friendly match pitting Kenya against Swaziland is without a doubt the toughest audition yet for Harambee Stars rookie striker Pistone Mutamba.

In the absence of regulars Michael Olunga, Jesse Were, Masoud Juma and John Makwatta, the 21-year-old forward is likely to lead Harambee Stars attack against the Shilangu Semnikati at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos from 3pm.

Stars coach Sebastien Migne, who also has Ovella Ochieng', Timothy Otieno and Cliff Nyakeya to count on in the forward line, is using this clash plus the other build up against Equatorial Guinea on Monday to prepare his team for the do-or-die 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana in September.

Swaziland coach Anthony Mdluli is also keen to fine-tune his charges ahead of the Cosafa Cup which kicks off in South Africa on Sunday.

"Some players have two or three caps while others have plenty. I am hoping their experience will rub off with others as they all want to improve. As a coach, I don't have control over the team winning but we are hoping for the best," Mdluli told Swaziland's Observer.

The lanky Mutamba, who received his football education at the famed Kakamega High School, has been impressive for Kenyan Premier League debutantes Wazito this season.

He's scored six times in 13 outings, including an impressive brace against AFC Leopards in Machakos on March 14, even though his team went on to lose 3-2.

He also found the back of the net in his debut for the national U23 team during the 2-1 win away to Uzbekistan in March.

"I am relaxed and waiting for the opportunity. I want to do my best to make the fans happy and repay the coach's faith in me," said Mutamba.

Besides Mutamba, Duncan Otieno and Humphrey Mieno might be called upon to take charge of the midfield in the absence of Victor Wanyama and Anthony Akumu.

"We have been trying out some interesting methods with our new technical team and will be looking to try some of them out against Swaziland. It will be a tough match but we are prepared," said Stars offensive midfielder Francis Kahata.

Whoever Migne picks to start in defence will have to be wary of Mbabane Swallows attacker Felix Badenhorst who's scored four goals for his club in the Caf Africa Champions League thus far.

Mdluli, who replaced former AFC Leopards coach Pieter de Jongh in this role earlier this year, can also count on captain and work horse Tony Tasebedze, 33, plus anchor-man Njabulo 'D4D' Ndlovu.