England-based Kenyan Defender on 3 Things Harambee Stars Must do to Succeed at CHAN 2024

Harambee Stars Photo || IMAGO

England-based Kenyan Defender on 3 Things Harambee Stars Must do to Succeed at CHAN 2024

Mark Kinyanjui 13:45 - 05.07.2025

The defender has revealed three things Harambee Stars must do to do well at the tournament.

Former Harambee Stars defender Eugene Asike has revealed what Benni McCarthy’s charges must do in order to do well at the upcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2024 set to be partly held in Kenya.

The tournament, which will also be held in Tanzania and Uganda, is part of a test competition to guage East Africa’s readiness to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations for the first time in the region’s history.

Kenya, who have been pooled in group A alongside DR Congo, Angola, Morocco and  Zambia, will be playing all their group games at Kasarani Stadium.

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Speaking to Tata Sports in a recent interview, Asike, who played for Tusker on two separate occasions before joining Lancing FC in the United KIngdom, explained what they need to do in order to do well.

Early Camp, Tactical Readiness

“We need to prepare well. The team should get into camp early and give the coach enough time to work.”

Asike stressed that thorough preparation will give the technical bench time to instill tactics and team chemistry ahead of a demanding group stage.

 At the moment, Stars have already hit camp after Benni McCarthy named his provisional 30-man squad for the tournament, with the side set to travel to Tanzania to take part in the CECAFA Four-Nations’ Tournament as part of their preparations.

Fan Support

England-based Kenyan Defender on 3 Things Harambee Stars Must do to Succeed at CHAN 2024
Emmanuel Osoro (L) and Austin Odhiambo (R) of Harambee Stars: Photo || FKF Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo (L) and scorer of Harambee Stars goal against Chad Emmanuel Osoro (Credit: FKF)

“Fans expect the best — and they always turn up to support the team. We owe them a strong start.”

“That first match is critical. Everyone needs to show up — fill the stadium, back the boys, and support the technical bench and the federation.”

The defender called on fans to fill Kasarani Stadium and create the kind of atmosphere that inspires strong performances — especially in the opening match, which he believes sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Trust in Homegrown Talent

Asked whether Kenya has the level of talent required to compete in the tournament, Asike expressed his unwavering faith in all the FKF Premier League players that were drafted into the team.

“Kenya has a lot of football talent — it’s just about tapping into it and giving the right support.”

“Our league has some fantastic young players. If we guide them and give them encouragement, we’ll see great competition.”

“Looking at the local league, I believe the squad that will represent Kenya in AFCON 2027 will be strong. The potential is there.”

Asike urged the federation to continue nurturing talent from the domestic league, pointing to a promising pool of players capable of making an impact both now and in the long term.

With just months to go until CHAN 2024 kicks off, Asike’s message doubles as a call to action — for the federation, the technical team, and fans — to rally behind Harambee Stars and make the most of this historic opportunity.

England-based Kenyan Defender on 3 Things Harambee Stars Must do to Succeed at CHAN 2024
Tusker's Eugene Asike. Photo Credit || Tusker Eugene Asike || Tusker