Harambee Stars will be facing Angola, DRC, Morocco and Zambia in Group A of the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament.
Harambee Stars Vice Captain Boniface Muchiri has explained why Kenya could shock the continent at the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which the country is co-hosting alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
Eyebrows were raised on Monday when Kenya made the unexpected decision to withdraw from the ongoing CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Arusha—a competition many believed would have been an ideal platform for head coach Benni McCarthy to assess his best squad ahead of CHAN.
Kenya was set to face regional rivals Tanzania and Uganda, along with reigning CHAN champions Senegal. However, a statement released by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) revealed that the team would be returning to Nairobi to intensify preparations for the continental tournament instead.
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Despite the raised concerns, Muchiri—who has been a national team member since 2019 and is among the most experienced players in the current squad—assured fans that there's no reason to panic. According to the Ulinzi Stars midfielder, the level of training under McCarthy has transformed the team.
“If we can transfer what we are doing here on the training ground into the games, I think many people will be surprised,” Muchiri told Tata Sports.
Benni McCarthy the Ideal Man for Harambee Stars
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“I really believe in the squad we have, and I believe in every player here, because every player who is in camp deserves to be here. No one was called up just because of favors or anything like that—no.”
Muchiri went on to explain why he believes South African tactician Benni McCarthy is the best coach he has worked with in his six-year international career.
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“McCarthy’s mentality is to instill a winning mindset into the players. The goal is for the players to do whatever it takes to win. In every training session, if you lose, there’s a punishment,” he explained.
“That shows we are not here to play for fun or to show off—we are here for business. And business means putting the ball in the back of the net so we can win. We must do that.
“I believe we have the right person to lead us and to lead this country to achieve things that it has never achieved before in football. We are in the right place, and we have the right person in charge.”
Since 2019, Harambee Stars have had four different head coaches. Muchiri was first called up by Frenchman Sebastien Migne but made his debut under Francis Kimanzi in a friendly against Uganda.
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He has since played under Engin Firat and Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, and at the club level, he has also worked with different coaches.
Yet, according to Muchiri, McCarthy stands out.
“He is someone who understands the game—he’s been in every situation. He was a player himself, so he knows what it’s like to be here and what you want to do when you get here.
“He gives you the kind of detailed instructions that come from personal experience. And when he tells you something, you don’t start questioning or doubting it—because he’s been there many times himself. The guy is totally different.
“I believe he’s someone who will raise the level of the players as long as we continue working with him here.”
Tough Test Ahead: Group of Death for CHAN 2024
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Kenya has been drawn into what many are calling the Group of Death at CHAN 2024. The Harambee Stars will face Angola, Zambia, DR Congo, and Morocco in Group A—all of whom boast significant pedigree in African football.
All of Kenya’s group matches will be played at the iconic Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, giving the team home advantage and an opportunity to rally massive local support.
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With belief in the squad growing and a respected coach at the helm, Muchiri’s message is clear: this is a different Harambee Stars side, and they are not just participating—they’re here to compete.
“We are not here to play for fun or for show. We are here for business. And that business is winning.”