New Kenya coach Michel targets South Africa

Kenya coach Henri Michel wants to make a winning start in his first game in charge against South Africa at the Nyayo National stadium on Tuesday. The Frenchman who was appointed in August with the aim of improving the performance of the Harambee Stars, will look to experiment with his blend of new and experienced professional players against the South Africans. "This is our first competitive match and we want to get a win to begin our adventure on a good note. I believe that in the short time we have had, I have picked the best players for the job," said Michel. The veteran coach has included 10 uncapped players for the friendly, with the emphasis on picking a competitive side for the upcoming African Nations Championship, which only features players who are active in the national league championships. Kenya will face Burundi over two legs in the first round of the 2014 qualifying tournament in December and January. South Africa coach Gordon Igesund also plans to make changes and try some of his players, who did not feature in the team's 1-0 loss to Poland in Warsaw on Friday, as he prepares his side for the January 19-February 10 CAF Africa Cup of Nations at home. "I have to look at everyone. There are many players who were not here who deserve a look in. We should look at giving them a chance and see if they can stake a claim in the team," said Igesund at a news conference on Monday. "There is not a lot of time before the African Cup of Nations kicks off," he added. South Africa beat Kenya 2-0 the last time the two sides met in February 2011. FIFA