Africa-Press – Kenya. As the Harambee Stars prepare for their first appearance in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, Kenya President Dr. William Ruto has challenged them to aim for the championship at home.
On Wednesday night, while the national team was finishing up its first week of residential training, the Head of State paid an unexpected visit to their training facility at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani Annex.
President Ruto promised the government’s full support during his visit to make sure the team gives its best effort.
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, two neighbours in East Africa, are co-hosting the biennial championship.
“We are delighted as a country to host this tournament. We will be making history for Kenya,” said President Ruto.
“When I made the decision to have Kenya bid for both CHAN and AFCON, I believed we had the capacity and the ability.”
Addressing the players, he added: “You are going to represent more than 50 million Kenyans, and that is the weight of responsibility on your shoulders.
“I have come here to tell you that we believe in your capacity and potential, and we will proudly cheer you to victory.
“Know that the whole country is behind you.
“Let it be historic—if we are hosting it for the first time, then we must win.”
With the tournament’s opening match scheduled for less than three weeks from now, the President further confirmed that Kenya is prepared to welcome the continent.
Head coach Benni McCarthy expressed his gratitude for the visit: “We are honoured as a team to have you grace us with your presence despite your busy schedule.
” We promise to give our best and work hard to deliver results.”
As they prepare for a four-nation pre-CHAN competition in Arusha, Tanzania, which will include Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, and Tanzania as co-hosts, the Harambee Stars will step up their preparations in the days ahead.
On July 21, the preparation competition begins. Coach McCarthy has already made some adjustments and reduced the size of his team.
Moses Shummah and Emmanuel Osoro, two strikers who signed professional contracts with Zambia’s Power Dynamos, have been disqualified from CHAN eligibility.
McCarthy has added Bandari custodian Byrne Omondi and Police FC midfielder Marvin Nabwire to strengthen the team.
Kenya has been assigned to a challenging Group A, which includes Angola, Zambia, and two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo.
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