Goalkeeper Coach Arnold Origi has opened up about his return to Harambee Stars, his unexpected shift into coaching, and his thoughts on the players in camp. A familiar face in Kenyan football, Origi is now shaping the next generation of goalkeepers with his wealth of experience and insights.
“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 trainer. It’s a different role, but one I’ve grown to love,”
“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 Hord 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 Ostersund, I realised it was something I truly enjoyed. That’s where my coaching journey started.
Origi expressed his excitement about working with Harambee Stars Interim Head Coach Francis Kimanzi, someone he knows well from his playing days. “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 what this team needs to progress. It feels great to work with him again in a different capacity.”
