Nairobi, Kenya| President William Ruto has hailed the Harambee Stars for their stunning victory over Morocco in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a landmark achievement that has secured their place in the tournament’s knockout stages for the first time in Kenya’s history.
In a spirited meeting with the team at State House, Nairobi, the President praised the squad’s unity and resilience, crediting their success to the leadership of head coach Benni McCarthy.
He also announced a series of generous rewards to spur the team toward further glory in the continental competition.
Unity as the Cornerstone of Success
Addressing the team, President Ruto emphasized the transformative power of unity, drawing a parallel between the Harambee Stars’ performance and Kenya’s broader aspirations.
“Unity has always propelled us forward,” he declared. “We must never allow negativity, failure, or doubt to prevent us from reaching our full potential. If we believe in ourselves and refuse to let division or hate enter the equation, Kenya can become the great nation we all dream of.”
The President lauded the Harambee Stars for embodying this spirit, noting that their 1-0 upset against Morocco, a two-time CHAN champion, has united Kenyans across all walks of life.
“The Harambee Stars are proof of what unity can achieve,” he said. “They have brought the country together, and we are all witnessing the success it is bringing to the nation.”
The victory, secured through tactical brilliance under coach Benni McCarthy, has ignited national pride and rekindled Kenya’s love for football.
A Historic Milestone for Kenyan Football
The Harambee Stars’ qualification for the CHAN 2024 knockout stages marks a historic moment for Kenyan football.
Hosted across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the tournament showcases the continent’s top domestic talent, and Kenya’s performance signals a resurgence in the nation’s footballing prowess.
The team’s 1-0 win over Morocco on August 10 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was a testament to their grit, with striker Ryan Ogam emerging as the hero of the match.
President Ruto personally congratulated the players and coaching staff, singling out McCarthy for his strategic acumen.
“Under Benni McCarthy’s leadership, you have made us proud,” he told the team. “Your victory is not just a win on the pitch; it’s a triumph of the Kenyan spirit. We stand behind you, praying that this time we will clinch the CHAN trophy because it’s within close reach.”
McCarthy, a former Manchester United assistant coach and South African football legend, has been instrumental in transforming the Stars into a formidable force since taking the helm in March 2025.
Unprecedented Rewards to Fuel Ambition
To motivate the team for their upcoming challenges, President Ruto unveiled a series of lucrative incentives. A victory against Zambia in their final group stage match on Sunday, August 17, will earn each player KSh2.5 million (approximately USD 19,300).
Should the Harambee Stars triumph in the quarter-finals, each player will receive an additional KSh1 million (approximately USD 7,700) and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice, as part of the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
These rewards underscore President Ruto’s commitment to supporting athletes and recognizing their role in elevating Kenya’s global profile.
The inclusion of housing units aligns with his administration’s flagship initiative to provide accessible homes for Kenyans, integrating sports development with national progress.
“These rewards are a token of our appreciation for your hard work and a reminder that Kenya believes in you,” Ruto told the team.
Benni McCarthy’s Tactical Mastery
Coach Benni McCarthy, whose tactical decisions have been pivotal to the team’s success, expressed gratitude for the President’s support.
McCarthy’s bold decision to overhaul the squad for the Morocco match, benching key players like captain Aboud Omar and star midfielder Austin Odhiambo due to fatigue, paid dividends.
“We saw a lot of tired legs, and I trusted the new players to give their best for the country,” McCarthy explained post-match. “We got a fresh, energetic team that could match Morocco, and the changes worked like a charm.”
The South African tactician’s ability to navigate challenges, including back-to-back red cards in matches against Angola and Morocco, has earned him widespread acclaim.
Despite playing with 10 men in both games, the Stars secured a 1-1 draw against Angola and the historic 1-0 win over Morocco, showcasing McCarthy’s ability to turn adversity into opportunity.
Fans and analysts alike have dubbed him a “mastermind,” with former Harambee Stars striker Elijah Onsika calling his impact “absolutely magical.”
A Vision for Kenyan Sports and Unity
President Ruto’s engagement with the Harambee Stars reflects his broader vision to revitalize sports in Kenya.
His administration has prioritized upgrading sports infrastructure, such as the renovation of Nyayo National Stadium and the Moi International Sports Centre, to nurture talent and position Kenya as a hub for African sports.
“Sports can unite us like nothing else,” Ruto said. “When the Harambee Stars play, we are not divided by tribe, region, or politics. We are one Kenya, cheering for one team, dreaming of one victory.”
The President also addressed the recent controversy surrounding ticket sales for the Zambia match, following an incident where fans forced their way into Kasarani Stadium during the Morocco game.
He urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to resolve the issue swiftly to ensure fans can support the team. “Kasarani must remain a fortress for the Harambee Stars,” he said, echoing McCarthy’s call for home support.
The Road Ahead: A Nation’s Hopes
As the Harambee Stars prepare for their crucial match against Zambia, a win or draw could secure the top spot in Group A, which includes formidable opponents like Morocco, DR Congo, and Angola.
With seven points from three matches, Kenya is well-positioned to advance, and the nation is buzzing with anticipation.
McCarthy remains confident, stating, “We’re not just playing for points; we’re playing for pride, for opportunity, and for the people of Kenya.”
Fans have taken to social media to express their support, with posts on X praising McCarthy’s leadership and the team’s resilience.
One user wrote, “APPRECIATION POST FOR BENNY MCCARTHY 🇰🇪👏,” capturing the growing admiration for the coach. Another highlighted the team’s unity, quoting McCarthy: “I am here to bring success to the country.”
A Call to Rally Behind the Stars
President Ruto concluded his address with a passionate call to action for Kenyans. “Let us fill Kasarani, wear our colors, and sing our hearts out,” he urged.
“This is our moment to shine as a nation. Let’s make CHAN 2024 a fortress of Kenyan pride.” With tickets available online at https://chan.mookh.com, the President encouraged fans to turn out in droves to support the team.
As the Harambee Stars chase history under Benni McCarthy’s guidance, President Ruto’s unwavering support and generous incentives have set the stage for a defining moment in Kenyan football.
With a united nation behind them, the Stars are poised to soar, proving that when Kenya comes together, the sky is the limit.
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