CHAN2024: Daniel Sakari details how he prepares for Harambee Stars matches
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 13.08.25. | 08:50
His approach was tested right from the opening clash against DR Congo, where he endured a slow start in the first 15 minutes.
Harambee Stars right-back Daniel Sakari has lifted the lid on how he gears up for national team duty that often attracts enormous pressure.
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For the demunitive wing back, matchday success begins long before the referee’s first whistle.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Sakari revealed that his secret is a solid warm-up, the kind that primes both the body and the mind for battle. That sets the foundation of his mental and tactical readiness.
“When we warm up well, we reduce the chances of making early mistakes, and we start the game with confidence. I find that a proper warm-up helps me read the game faster and adapt to situations more quickly,” the Police FC defender offered..
His approach was tested right from the opening clash against DR Congo, where he endured a slow start in the first 15 minutes.
Closely shadowed by his marker, Sakari committed an infringement that earned him a yellow card. However, he fought his way back into the contest, playing a key role in the build-up to Kenya’s winning goal.
“When you step onto the pitch, you already have a clear idea of what you want to do; your role, your responsibilities, and how you plan to handle the opponents. But football is unpredictable.
If things are not going according to plan in those opening minutes, you have to quickly go back to the drawing board in your mind, make the adjustments, and get back into the game,” he disclosed.
In Kenya’s second match against Angola, Sakari was part of a resolute five-man defensive unit that held firm despite the team being reduced to 10 men following Marvin Nabwire’s red card.
He was also instrumental in the Morocco encounter, coming on in the final minutes to shore up the defense and inject tempo into the match.
Once again, Harambee Stars found themselves a man down after Chrispine Erambo’s sending off, but Sakari and his teammates ensured the defensive “bus” stayed parked, frustrating Morocco’s attack.
“It’s about positioning, communication, and composure. Once you do that, you can settle in and find your rhythm,” he revealed.
Up next, Harambee Stars will face Zambia in their final pool match, scheduled for Sunday, 17 August, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. They will be hoping to end their pool matches on a high, as they have not tasted defeat since the tournament began.
