Arnold Origi honored with new Harambee Stars role, working alongside former coach Kimanzi

Harambee Stars goalkeeper coach Arnold Origi says returning to the national set-up is always an honor, despite the role being one that he barely thought of during his playing days.

Origi, 41, was last week - 25 December - among the new members of the technical bench appointed to steer the men’s national football team in the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup scheduled for 3-13 January in Zanzibar.

The appointment marked the first time he was involved in the national team since 27 March 2016, when Harambee Stars lost 1-0 to Guinea at Nyayo Stadium with the then 33-year-old in between the sticks.

And while the return did not see him come back as a player, Origi, now a certified goalkeeper coach said it playing a role in helping the team was what mattered most.

“Returning to the setup feels good, it's always an honor,” Origi told FKF Media during Harambee Stars’ second training session on Sunday. “Representing the country as a player was always nice - you trying to give the best - and it feels the same way being part of the technical bench as you are now playing an important role in helping the team achieve an objective.”

On his inspiration to go the coaching route, Origi said: “When I was young I worked hard so I could play. My role model was Buffon who played till 45 and even now I still feel fit to play. The reality however is the older you get the more limited your chances become, and after my last contract with IL Hødd, it was a bit challenging to get the right offer. I got some contracts my way, but they were not inspiring.”

Having done his UEFA B Coaching license in coaching - both as coach and goalkeeper coach - Origi added that a chance in coaching came via his former assistant coach, and ended up being a thing he refers to as a “good coincidence.”

“A coach of mine who was my assistant coach at Lillestrøm but now at Östersund called me telling me that they needed a keeper coach. He thought that I could do something because of my work ethic and felt that was what he was looking for.

“At that time I was free and thought to give it a try.”

On how the adjustment felt, he said: “I loved it. Östersund is a professional club and so it felt like the right place. I fit in like a glove.”

Arnold Origi appointed as a goalkeeping coach in Sweden

And as if life couldn’t go any more full-circle, Origi now has the chance to work alongside his former national team coach Francis Kimanzi, as he takes over as the interim Harambee Stars head coach.

On sharing the same technical bench with Kimanzi, Origi said: “It feels good since he is a man we share the same work ethic and also think the same in terms of ideologies and playing philosophies. I believe in his style and the mutual respect we hold each other to.”

Origi to date revers Kimanzi for his demands during Kenya’s “most successful” period in 2008, when Harambee Stars achieved their highest ever FIFA World ranking at position 68.

“I remember when he was coach of the national team I never worked hard like I did under him,” Origi said of Kimanzi. “As a player when you enter the pitch there is no doubt about whet id required of you. Even now, the requirements of my role are very clear. He makes everything easier.”

On what he intends to achieve with the national team, Origi added: “The expectation is always to win. I think winning the Mapinduzi Cup will be nice for motivation and boosting player morale, but the tournament gives us a perfect opportunity to gel together and create a set-up that will challenge CHAN and be tough to beat.

“That I believe is the ultimate objective since there is good potential. What is motivating and inspiring is the fact that there are things to work on, and that is the joy that I get from coming here with my younger brothers everyday.”

Harambee Stars coach highlights significance of Mapinduzi Cup in preparation for 2024 CHAN finals