Kenya Police FC defender Abud Omar has been named the captain of Harambee Stars for the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup, set to begin this weekend in Pemba, Zanzibar.
The 31-year-old veteran, a long-standing member of the national team, expressed his pride in the appointment and outlined the team’s ambitions for the tournament.
“It’s a privilege and honor to captain the team. Having been part of the national team setup for years, I understand the weight of this role. Winning the Mapinduzi Cup is our minimum target. I’ll push the players to give their best, but as captain, I must lead by example,” Omar remarked.
Omar shared confidence in the team’s readiness, noting a balanced squad of seasoned players and promising young talent.
“We’re well-prepared, and the team is in great shape. There’s a perfect mix of experienced players and emerging talents who have worked tirelessly to make the squad. We are not underdogs, and our goal from the start is to win the Mapinduzi Cup. Anything less would be a failure,” he said.
Omar acknowledged the challenges Harambee Stars have faced, particularly the absence of home support during away games, and called on fans to stand by the team.
“Playing away from home hasn’t been easy, and we’ve missed the energy of our supporters. I urge fans to keep supporting us as we build a strong team for CHAN. We’re thrilled about finally playing in front of our home fans again,” he added.
On a personal note, Omar expressed excitement about returning to the national team and shared his aspirations for the future. After five years in Europe with stints in Greece, Belgium, and Romania, Omar returned to Kenya to join Kenya Police FC. However, he remains focused on making another move abroad.
“I feel stronger and better now. With hard work, I’m confident of getting another opportunity to join a top club abroad. That’s every footballer’s dream, and I’m no exception,” Omar said.
Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign on Saturday against Burkina Faso, followed by a clash with Kilimanjaro Heroes on Tuesday. The final group stage match will take place on Friday evening against Zanzibar Heroes.
The Mapinduzi Cup offers an opportunity for the team to showcase their growth and set the tone for future competitions.
