CHAN 2024: President William Ruto Makes New Promises to Harambee Stars Players
- President William Ruto has increased the bonuses he promised to Harambee Stars players after brilliant performances
- Harambee Stars are on the verge of reaching the knockout stages after beating the highly-fancied Morocco on Sunday
- Ruto had previously promised KSh 1 million for every win, but he has now made the deal sweeter ahead of the Zambia game
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President William Ruto has made new financial pledges to Harambee Stars following their impressive performances at the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
Source: UGC
Harambee Stars are still unbeaten in the competition and are on the cusp of reaching the quarter-finals in their debut appearance.
Benni McCarthy's charges started their campaign with a 1-0 win over DR Congo before holding Angola to a one-all draw despite playing with a man less for more than 70 minutes.
Their best result came against Morocco, where they beat the pre-tournament favourites thanks to a solo goal from Ryan Ogam. This time they played with a man less again after Chrispine Erambo was sent off.
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How much has President Ruto promised Harambee Stars players?
Ruto met the team today morning at the Pullman Hotel in Nairobi to congratulate them on the progress so far.
The president, who had previously promised each player KSh 1 million for every win, bettered the deal, making it KSh 2.5 million if they beat Zambia in their last game.
Every player has also been assured a two-bedroom house in the Affordable Housing program if they triumph in the quarter-finals.
"Unity has always propelled us forward. We must never allow negativity, failure, or doubt to prevent us from reaching our full potential. If we believe in ourselves and refuse to let division or hate enter the equation, Kenya can become the great nation we all dream of."
"The Harambee Stars are proof of what unity can achieve. They have brought the country together, and we are all witnessing the success it is bringing to the nation. We stand behind you, praying that this time we win will CHAN because it’s within close reach," said the president on his social media accounts.
"Met the team to congratulate them on their victory over Morocco and their historic qualification for the CHAN knockout stages. We’ve also agreed on rewards: A win against Zambia next Sunday will earn each player KSh2.5 million. If they triumph in the quarter-finals, each will be gifted KSh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice."
Source: Twitter
FKF president Hussein Mohamed, on his part, thanked the president for his continued support, urging the team to keep doing the country proud.
"Grateful to H.E. President William Ruto for visiting the national team this morning and fulfilling his promise - Ksh 1M to every member of the delegation after the win over Morocco. Thank you to our players for the hard work and commitment. You continue to unite Kenyans everywhere - on and off the pitch."
What next for Harambee Stars?
McCarthy's men will now play Zambia in their last group game on Sunday. Kenya only needs one point to secure progression to the next round.
Despite their win against Morocco, Harambee Stars haven't qualified yet for the quarter-finals.
Angola's win over Zambia later on Sunday evening meant that Kenya will have to wait until the Thursday games to know whether they have qualified. If Angola fail to beat DR Congo, Kenya will be through.
At the quarter-finals, they will face one team from Tanzania's group. If they finish first, they will play whoever finishes second in the other group at the Kasarani Stadium.
If they finish second, they will play the winner of the other group, most likely Tanzania, in the quarter-finals.
Comparing Ruto's to Samia Suluhu's pledges
In a different story, Ruto and his Tanzanian and Ugandan counterparts, Samia Suluhu and Yowei Museveni, pledged lofty bonuses to their teams at CHAN 2024.
Tanzania have won three games on the trot and have already qualified for the quarter-finals, while Uganda recovered from a 3-0 annihilation by Algeria to beat Guinea 3-0.
Suluhu was the first one to promise her players huge bonuses before Ruto and Museveni followed suit.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
