William Ruto Pledges Hundreds of Millions to Harambee Stars Ahead of CHAN 2024
- President William Ruto has pledged millions in prize money to Harambee Stars as they kick off their CHAN 2024 campaign
- Kenya will play the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday, August 3, at Kasarani in their first game
- Benni McCarthy's team is not considered favourites to win the tournament, but former international Titus Mulama told TUKO.co.ke he is hopeful
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Kenya president William Ruto has pledged prize money to Harambee Stars ahead of their 2024 Africa Nations Championship opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday.
Source: Twitter
Kenya is co-hosting the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda, and Harambee Stars will face pressure to deliver on home soil, despite being in a tough group.
Benni McCarthy's team has been in camp for the last few weeks to prepare for the tournament.
Who will Harambee Stars play at CHAN 2024?
Harambee stars are in Group A alongside former winners Morocco, who are seen as favourites. DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola. They will play all their games at Kasarani.
They open the tournament against DR Congo on Sunday at Kasarani, and then face Angola three days later, on August 7.
Kenya, making their debut at CHAN, will next face Morocco on August 10, followed by Zambia on August 17.
How much did William Ruto promise Harambee Stars?
Ruto visited Harambee Stars at their camp at Kasarani, shared his message and pledged hundreds of millions.
He was accompanied by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Local Organising Committee chairman Nicholas Musonye, and other officials.
Ruto has promised KSh 1 million to each Harambee Stars player and staff for a win, and KSh 500,000 for a draw.
The team will also receive KSh 60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, KSh 70 million for advancing to the semi-finals, and KSh 600 million if they win the tournament.
Source: UGC
Kenya may not be seen as favorites, but they will be backed by thousands of fans in the stadium.
What are expectations for Harambee Stars at CHAN 2024?
Speaking exclusively with TUKO.co.ke, former Harambee Stars midfielder Titus Mulama expects Kenya to open their tournament with a win against DR Congo.
"My prediction is Kenya will win. It will be tough, but we will win because we are at home, and the boys will have the support. I don't see many goals, but we will score," he said.
He expects young local talent to be showcased at the tournament.
"I expect to see upcoming talent in Kenya. So I want to see local talented players. It is only through tournaments like these that they get the experience and that's where we get our future. Moreover, I expect a better tournament from Harambee Stars because we are at home and they have a huge support."
Benni McCarthy names final Harambee Stars squad
In a related story, we reported that Benni McCarthy revealed his final CHAN 2024 squad.
The former Manchester United coach replaced three key players, including Mohammed Bajaber, who was ruled out with injury.
McCarthy will likely rely on Tusker’s Ryan Ogam, Migori Youth’s Masoud Juma, and Ulinzi Stars’ Boniface Muchiri.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
