Kenya’s Harambee Stars are more determined than ever to win the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 on home soil, following a surprise visit from President Dr. William Ruto.
The President’s Wednesday evening visit to the team’s training base at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani Annex signals strong government backing for Kenya, who are co-hosting the tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.
President Ruto emphasized the historical significance for Kenya, stating, “If we are hosting it for the first time, then we must win.”
He assured the team of full government support and urged them to represent the nation’s 50 million Kenyans with pride.
Head coach Benni McCarthy expressed his gratitude, promising the President that the team would “give our best and work hard to deliver results.”
The Harambee Stars will intensify their preparations with a four-nation pre-CHAN tournament in Arusha, Tanzania, starting July 21, featuring Uganda, Tanzania, and Congo Brazzaville.
Coach McCarthy has bolstered the squad by bringing in Police FC midfielder Marvin Nabwire and Bandari goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, following the ineligibility of strikers Moses Shummah and Emmanuel Osoro due to professional contracts.
Kenya faces a tough challenge in Group A, where they will play two-time champions Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia.
