Ex-Harambee Stars custodian and now goalkeeper coach Arnold Origi has opened up about his return to the national team where he is on a temporary coaching role.
This new chapter will see him shape the next generation of goalkeepers as he leverages on his vast experience and insight in the field.
Origi, 41, is part of the technical team selected by the Football Kenya Federation alongside Francis Kimanzi, to train the Harambee Stars for the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar scheduled for January 2025 as well as to prepare the team for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
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Origi has expressed excitement about his return to the national team, though in a different capacity.
“Being back with the national team is a great feeling – it’s always an honor,” Origi said.
“I’ve had the privilege of representing Harambee Stars as a player and now I’m here as a goalkeeper coach. It’s a different role, but one I’ve grown to love.”
He further explained that his transition into coaching was not something he had planned. His initial vision was to continue playing well into his 40s inspired by his role model Gianluigi Buffon who played at the highest level into his later years.
“My move into coaching wasn’t planned. My role model was Gianluigi Buffon who played well into his 40s, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
But after my last contract at FC Hødd in Norway, finding a good offer became really tough. As you get older, it’s just how the game works.
Luckily, I had completed my UEFA coaching badges for goalkeepers and when I got the chance to train keepers at Östersund, I realized it was something I truly enjoyed. That’s where my coaching journey started.”
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Origi, cousin to former Liverpool striker Divock Origi, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Kimanzi, who is also the interim head coach.
“Coach Francis Kimanzi is someone I respect a lot. I worked with him as a player and I’ve always admired his approach to the game. He’s demanding, but that’s exactly what this team needs to progress. It feels great to work with him again but in a different capacity.”
Currently, Origi is working with goalkeepers Farouk Shikalo (KCB FC), Byrne Omondi (Bandari FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks) and Morgan Ambuka (Murang’a Seal) all of whom he believes have great potential.
“These keepers are good, and I see them as more than just players – they’re like younger brothers and friends to me. They’ve got tremendous potential, but there’s always room for improvement and that’s my job here.”
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Arnold Origi leads training
Origi also emphasized that while winning the Mapinduzi Cup, which runs from January 3rd to 13th, would be fantastic, the bigger picture is the preparation for the CHAN tournament.
“Winning the Mapinduzi Cup would be fantastic but the bigger picture is building a solid team for CHAN. Playing on home soil brings extra pressure and we have to get it right.
The country loves football and is hungry for success. We saw it with the U-17 girls qualifying for the World Cup – it shows what’s possible with the right support. I hope Kenyans will continue supporting us as we work towards building something special.”
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