Former Harambee Stars Coach on How Benni Can Beat CHAN 2024 ‘Group of Death’

Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has explained what Kenya must to to survive the tough African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) group of death on home soil.

Kenya, who are co-hosting the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, will see all their matches being held at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadia, with Harambee Stars set to play all their group A games in the former.

The side will be facing DR Congo in their opening clash of the tournament on Sunday, 2nd May, before facing Angola, Morocco and Zambia in their remaining matches.

Speaking to Pulse Sports recently, Mulee, who had four separate stints as head coach, with his most recent one being in 2021, explained two reasons this upcoming tournament is perfect for Kenya to show how strong its domestic league is.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

“There are alot of things to do but the time is limited,” said Mulee.

“We are playing against some of the best teams in Africa, but it is a tournament restricted for local-based players. This is where we will get to gauge how strong our FKF Premier League is.”

Mulee sent timely advice to the players in the current set up to show McCarthy why they should be in consideration for bigger international assignments, as well as an opportunity to change their lives.

“It will give us a platform to show how ready we are for AFCON 2027, and these players will also be showing whether McCarthy should consider them for bigger tasks, such as that upcoming tournament.”

Ghost Mulee believes Harambe Stars will have to earn their luck on and off the pitch if they are to achieve their target of actually winning the tournament on home soil.“Anything can happen in football.

Does not matter whether we are facing Angola, Zambia, DR Congo or Morocco. It is all down to how well we prepare ourselves. They need to put their best foot forward in order to try and see if they can qualify for the quarter finals.“I don’t wish people good luck. I believe that if you put in the work, you will be rewarded.”

McCarthy has also been under scrutiny over his squad selection, with fans having different opinions over which players should have been called up, including Shabana’s Brian Michira, who finally earned a late call-up to the squad, but only after Mo Bajaber withdrew from the squad, with a move to Simba on the horizon.

As public debate rages over McCarthy’s squad, particularly about omissions of certain fan-favorite players, Mulee offered a reminder that every coach has a strategy and sees beyond the surface.

"Kenya is a nation where people express themselves very freely and boldly in football matters, in politics, and nearly everything," Mulee said.

"I remember when I was given the opportunity to coach the national team back in 2002, there was a lot of pushback saying that I was young, because I was 35, and my credentials were questioned.

“During my time, the issue was that I had selected too many players from Tusker, but they were the league champions and had won CECAFA two times,” he recalled.

“So Benni McCarthy has come in, and I can assure you, when he selects any player, his goal is to win. All the players selected can't play at once and they’re all Kenyans so let's back them.”

Mulee noted that skepticism and scrutiny are inevitable in Kenyan football circles, but he emphasized the importance of trusting the coach’s vision.

“He has not called up any Togolese in the team. Kenyans amaze me,” Mulee said with a laugh.

“If as a fan you feel strongly that a certain player should be included, remember he might not be in the coach’s plans,” he said.

“So let's give the coach time and respect his decision.”

Mulee’s words serve as both reassurance and a reality check, that while critique is part of the game, unity and patience could be key to success on home soil.