CHAN 2024: President William Ruto's Message to Harambee Stars and Benni McCarthy

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy and President William Ruto. Image source: CAF Online

CHAN 2024: President William Ruto's Message to Harambee Stars and Benni McCarthy

Abigael Wafula 15:00 - 17.07.2025

President Ruto has backed Benni McCarthy and Harambee Stars to make history at CHAN 2024, urging them to aim for victory.

President William Ruto has sent a message to Harambee Stars and Benni McCarthy ahead of the African Nations Championship, CHAN, scheduled for August 2 to 30.

President Ruto encouraged the players to aim for the title, as they look forward to making their debut in the continental event.

Kenya will host the final of the tournament, and President Ruto is hopeful that Harambee Stars will be playing against their opponent.

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President Ruto: The Weight of Responsibility on Your Shoulders

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy and President William Ruto
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy and President William Ruto. Image source: CAF Online

President Ruto paid an unexpected visit to the national team’s training camp at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani Annex on Wednesday evening, as the squad concluded their first week of residential training.

During the visit, he assured the team of the government’s full support to help them achieve peak performance. Kenya is set to co-host the biennial tournament together with regional partners Uganda and Tanzania.

“We are delighted as a country to host this tournament. We will be making history for Kenya,” President Ruto said as per CAF Online.

“When I decided to have Kenya bid for both CHAN and AFCON, I believed we had the capacity and the ability. You are going to represent more than 50 million Kenyans, and that is the weight of responsibility on your shoulders.

"I have come here to tell you that we believe in your capacity and potential, and we will proudly cheer you to victory. Know that the whole country is behind you. Let it be historic, if we are hosting it for the first time, then we must win.”

The President reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to host the continent, with the tournament’s opening match now less than three weeks away.

On his part, Head Coach Benni McCarthy expressed appreciation for the visit, saying: "We are honoured as a team to have you grace us with your presence despite your busy schedule. We promise to give our best and work hard to deliver results."

The Harambee Stars will step up their preparations in the coming days as they gear up for a four-nation pre-CHAN tournament in Arusha, Tanzania.

The competition will feature Uganda, Tanzania and Congo Brazzaville, and kicks off on July 21. Coach Benni McCarthy has already trimmed his squad, making a few adjustments.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy and President William Ruto.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy and President William Ruto. Image source: CAF Online

Harambee Stars have been drawn into a challenging Group A, where they will face two-time champions Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia.