Sebastian Migne’s decision to omit Kenya Premier League top Scorer Allan Wanga from the Harambee Stars team that will camp in France as they prepare for the African Cup of Nations is one that could haunt his tenure as National team head coach.
Migne opted for Sofapaka’s John Avire in place of the experienced Wanga, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism from all corners of the Country. Allan Wanga scored 18 goals in the just concluded Kenya Premier League season, compare that to Avire who has 7, 11 less than Wanga and the decision looks more and more controversial.
“I was using the training at Kasarani to gauge each and every player and if you showed me that you are ready, then you make my squad. Wanga did not show me that.” Migne explained his decision.
Allan Wanga is an experienced Kenyan International who has played for the biggest clubs in the country, as well as in the region. His mere presence on the pitch guarantees goals and has been a class act for the whole of his career. Why would you pick someone who has never scored for the national team and bin someone who has been there and done exactly that?
Sebastian Migne may be right about needing to nurture young talents but is the Country’s biggest Tournament is 15 year the best venue to nurture young talents? Would it not have been better for the youngster to build his Harambee Stars career in lesser tournaments like CHAN 2020? The team needs goals in Egypt, not caps! Wanga has them in plenty, he has had them his entire career.
Not taking Allan Wanga to the African Cup on Nation is a bold decision from Sebastian Migne and if it does not work out, which is very likely, could blemish the could job that Sebastian Migne has done for the Harambee Stars!