Africa Is Home! Open Letter to Harambee Stars Players, Fans As CHAN 2024 Begins
- Harambee Stars will start their CHAN 2024 journey with a tough match against DR Congo on Sunday afternoon
- It has been a long time coming, with Kenya now hosting the rest of the continent after two postponements
- Kenyan players have been promised awesome bonuses as security authorities urge fans to keep the peace
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We have waited, we have longed for this. At one point, we thought the hosting rights would be taken away because of the familiar story of unpreparedness, but finally, it is here!
Source: UGC
Kenya will host its biggest sports tournament since the 1987 All Africa Games, and the excitement is palpable.
When Aboud Omar leads out his fellow Harambee Stars teammates on August 3, thousands of fans will roar them on at Kasarani Stadium, with millions of others glued to their TVs.
For a richly talented country, the onus is on the final 25 men selected by head coach Benni McCarthy to carry the dreams of 56 million others.
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That alone doesn't begin to describe the pressure, but as Omar reassuringly said on Saturday, they are ready.
To our gallant boys, nothing beats the pride of donning the national jersey and hearing the national anthem on home soil as a result of your hard work and commitment.
Using CHAN 2024 to open more doors
Even before the whistle goes at 3 pm on Sunday afternoon, you have already won.
You are not just playing a one-off tournament; you are representing the dreams of every kid who has ever kicked a makeshift ball out there.
You are representing the sacrifices of every parent who gave up so much so that their son could get those boots, get into an academy, or even a trial.
You are representing every fan who remained loyal and true to the cause, even when results didn't go our way. Those successive AFCON qualification failures, that loss to South Sudan...
You are representing your own aspirations and future plans. As coach McCarthy might have told you repeatedly, he is a product of showcasing his talent on home soil before Europe came calling.
You never know who is watching.
Source: Instagram
Group of Death
Much has been said about the Group of Death, which is true. Facing two two-time winners of the competition, a fast-rising nation with a clear-minded coach and another country with a coach who has managed a UEFA Champions League final, is not going to be easy, but this is where you come alive.
We may not have the pedigree of our opponents, but you'll have a roaring home support singing your names. Rest assured, you will be in familiar territory with thousands hoping, believing and cheering you on every step of the way.
We know the preparations haven't been ideal. Going on a 'useless' trip to Tanzania didn't help, but much has been done to keep the motivation going.
If playing for pride and passion isn't enough, there’s something else on the line. I don’t know about you, but one million shillings for every win would motivate the hell out of me.
Message to the fans
To the fans, especially the ones planning on attending any of the games this month, keep the peace.
Understandably, CHAN 2024 is coming hot on the heels of the clearest form of democratic expressions, but more regretfully, the loss of lives.
More than ever, we need something that will unite us as a people and support for Harambee Stars is the perfect blueprint.
As we pack the stands, let's ensure we create a safe environment for the person next to you and for the players on the pitch to perform.
No vuvuzelas or whistles will be allowed, but that shouldn't stop you from shouting at the top of your lungs.
Where to watch Kenya vs DRC
For those who won't be at Kasarani in person, the game will be broadcast live on selected CAF broadcast partners.
This will be DRC's seventh appearance at the tournament - the most of any country on the continent. Kenya is appearing for the first time.
Austine Odhiambo is expected to be Kenya's star man while the DRC have Oscar Kabwit.
The writer is the head of sports at TUKO.co.ke.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
