If history repeats itself, then Kilimanjaro Stars, the mainland soccer team, have a sense of superiority heading into the Cecafa Challenge Cup that will kickoff on November 29 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Stars, who assembled for training on Tuesday, consider Nairobi as their lucky venue following their successful campaigns in 1994.
Under guidance of coach Syller Saidi Mziray, Kilimanjaro Stars broke their longstanding jinx to win the Challenge Cup. Their previous victory was in 1974.
Since then, Kenya has not hosted the regional event, making it 15 years of competing out of their country.
"We must be more aggressive if want to replicate the 1994’s achievements, but I believe with the support of our fans we can make it," said defender David Naftali.
However, the Stars face a daunting task to outdo the hosts, Harambee Stars who played some sublime football against mighty Nigeria.
The hosts would be enjoying an electrifying home atmosphere and therefore all opponents would find the going tough in Nairobi.
Speaking during the Stars' training session at Karume, former ace players Salum Kabunda and Mohamed Bakari "Tall" said Kilimanjaro Stars would face a new look Kenya.
"They have a watertight defence and agile forwards, thus it won't be easy to defeat them like we used to," they observed.
Confident midfielder Kiggy Makassy said they were psychologically ready to battle and clinch the prestigious regional title.
"We have played them several times and hopefully they won't give us much trouble," he said.
As the event draws closer, the under fire head coach, Marcio Maximo is set to face his sternest test.
The Stars played three warm up friendlies and ended up obtaining ignominious results, which prompted various stakeholders countrywide to question Maximo's selections.
TFF's secretary general Frederick Mwakalebela said yesterday the team would play one more international friendly before heading off to Nairobi.
