Kenya international and Police FC defender Abud Omar has been handed the captain’s armband for the national team to lead them in the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar, which will run from January 3 to 13.
Omar, 32, who has been a sensational left-back for the Harambee Stars, is among the 24 players named in the final squad by Francis Kimanzi.
The team will face Burkina Faso on Saturday, January 4, followed by a match against Kilimanjaro Stars of Tanzania on January 7, and they will conclude their group fixtures against Zanzibar Heroes on January 10.
Speaking after being gven the leadership role, Omar, who has been part of the national team for more than 10 years, stated that while he will demand more from his teammates, he will also ensure he delivers and sets an example during the tournament.
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“It’s a privilege and honor to be named captain. Having been part of the national team setup for a long time, I understand what this role means. Winning the Mapinduzi Cup is our bare minimum. I’ll demand more from the players, but above all, I must lead by example as an experienced player and a veteran of the team,” said Abud.
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He further stated that the team is well-prepared for the Mapinduzi tournament and that anything less than winning the title would be considered a failure.
“We have prepared well, and the team is in good shape. There’s a perfect blend of senior players and young talents who have shown immense potential and worked hard to make the final squad. We are not underdogs, and the target from the onset is to win the Mapinduzi Cup. Anything less would be a failure.”
The former Tusker FC player acknowledged the challenges the national team has faced recently, especially with home matches being played away, but he remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, stating that they are building a strong squad for CHAN.
“It hasn’t been an easy ride for the national team, especially with most of our games being played away. We’ve missed the support of our fans. I urge them to continue standing by us. We are building a strong team for CHAN, and we’re excited about finally playing in front of our home fans after such a long time.”
Abud expressed his delight at becoming a regular in the national team again and reiterated his ambitions for a move abroad.
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After returning to Kenya to join Kenya Police FC following five years in Europe with stints in Greece, Belgium, and Romania, he is eager to seize new opportunities.
“I feel stronger and better now, and I know if I keep working hard, I’ll get another opportunity to join a bigger club abroad. That’s always been the dream for any footballer, and I’m no different,” he concluded.
This tournament will serve as preparation for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in February.
