Posta Rangers Coach Sets High Bar for Harambee Stars and Benni McCarthy Before CHAN

Emmanuel Osoro (L) and Austin Odhiambo (R) of Harambee Stars: Photo || FKF

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Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo (L) and scorer of Harambee Stars goal against Chad Emmanuel Osoro (Credit: FKF)

Posta Rangers Coach Sets High Bar for Harambee Stars and Benni McCarthy Before CHAN

Abigael Wafula 21:59 - 21.06.2025

Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo has thrown down the gauntlet to Benni McCarthy and Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN.

The Confederation of African Football announced that the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya, will host the final match of the African Nations Championship, CHAN on August 30.

Following the news, there is immense pressure for Harambee Stars and Benni McCarthy to work around the coach and ensure they get to the final.

Fans have already begun revealing their expectations, with Posta Rangers head coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo also joining the bandwagon.

Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo, in an interview with the Star, insisted that Harambee Stars have an opportunity to get to the final and play before home fans as they look to lift the CHAN trophy.

Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo: They Ought to Take Advantage of the Occasion

Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars vs Chad

Sammy Omollo pointed out that Kenya, being given the rights to host the tournament, is a challenge for them to revive the hopes of the nation.

He added that it would be very embarrassing if Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars do not reach the final, forcing fans to go cheer on other teams.

Sammy Omollo also urged the players who will have the opportunity to play to showcase their talent and show the world what they are capable of.

"They ought to take advantage of the occasion and honour us. This should motivate them to work hard because I'm sure they don't want to disappoint Kenya,” he revealed.

"It would be very disappointing if the final at Kasarani would pit foreign teams. We must plan effectively to be in the finals.

"The importance of hosting CHAN cannot be overstated. It serves as a platform for domestic-based players to showcase their skills on an international stage, offering them a rare opportunity to shine in front of local fans.”

CHAN will act as a key preparatory platform for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Sammy Omollo continued by noting that being given the hosting rights is a great opportunity for them to showcase their ability to host international events, among other things.

"The lessons learned, the infrastructure developed, and the camaraderie fostered during CHAN will undoubtedly lay the groundwork for a successful Afcon,” he added.

With the eyes of the continent set to turn toward Kasarani on August 30, Harambee Stars and the technical bench must rise to the occasion.

As both a test run for AFCON 2027 and a rare chance to inspire national pride, CHAN presents more than just a tournament.

It comes off as a defining moment for Harambee Stars to prove that Kenya belongs on Africa’s biggest football stages.