How Kenya Plans to Test Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars And Stadia Before 2024 CHAN

Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars will paly their matches at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums.

How Kenya Plans to Test Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars And Stadia Before 2024 CHAN

Stephen Awino 18:00 - 26.04.2025

Discover how Kenya is gearing up for the 2024 CHAN as preparation ramps up on the pitch with Benni McCarthy's Harmabee Stars and off the pitch with stadia infrastructure.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has been offered a brilliant platform to test his team ahead of the rescheduled 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The continental showpiece is poised to be hosted between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August 2025.

However, the Kenyan national football team coach will have a precursor to the tournament with the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

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How Kenya Plans to Use The CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

Harambee Stars are poised for showdown in August.
Harambee Stars players in first training session under Benni McCarthy. ©FKF Media.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has confirmed that Kenya will host the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in June 2025, using the regional tournament as a key buildup to CHAN.

The PS confirmed the news when he appeared before the National Assembly’s Committee on Regional Integration on 24 April, in a meeting focused on Kenya's readiness to co-host the continental showpiece and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“CECAFA, CHAN’s continental counterpart, is proposed for 1–21 June. As a regional tournament endorsed by the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), it’s designed to act as a full-scale test for the CHAN 2025 event,” Mwangi stated as quoted by Mozzart Sport.

“It will provide a real-time opportunity to assess our infrastructure, fan engagement, logistics, and overall readiness. The Local Organizing Committee is working closely with CAF to ensure all international hosting standards are met,” he added.

Harambee Stars Preparations

Harambee Stars are gearing up for a pressure-filled 2026 World Cup qualifier fixtures
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy with his players in a training session. Photo/FKF Media

The opportunity comes at a time when Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is eyeing avenues to gel his squad ahead of the continental showpiece in August.

The tactician has so far hoped to use the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, where Kenya's hopes have dwindled.

The South African football legend has overseen two matches during the March international break: a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia and a 2-1 loss against Gabon.

However, the majority of the players who featured in McCarthy's squad are not eligible to play in August, with only locally based players eligible.

McCarthy's squad featured only five locally based players, and his options continue to dwindle, with former Gor Mahia player Ronney Onyango securing a move abroad while midfielder Mohammed Bajaber is heavily linked with a move away from the Kenyan Premier League.

These scenarios leave McCarthy with slim options, but the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup gives the tactician an opportunity to fine-tune his squad.

Kenya to Test Stadia

Kasarani Stadium, earmarked for 2024 CHAN and 2027 AFCON.
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya leads assessment at Kasarani Stadium, earmarked for 2024 CHAN and 2027 AFCON. (Credit: MOYASA)

The tournament also provides the country with an opportunity to test its stadia infrastructure.

The two host stadiums, Kasarani and Nyayo, have undergone significant preparations.

Nyayo stands ready and has already carried out test matches, while Kasarani is in the latter stages of renovations.

Supporting facilities like the Ulinzi Sports Complex and the Police Sacco Stadium, which will complement Nyayo and Kasarani as training facilities, both stand ready.

As the 2024 CHAN approaches, the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup will be integral for Kenya both in terms of on-the-pitch preparations and off-the-pitch logistics.