2024 CHAN: McCarthy says Kenya will have a team ‘no one wants to face’

Kenya national team Harambee Stars have officially kicked off their preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August in East Africa.

After naming a provisional 30-man squad, Harambee Stars regrouped at Kasarani Annex on Firday, to kick-off residential training led by head coach Benni McCarthy.

The team was welcomed to camp by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed.

Speaking after being welcomed to camp, the South African legend said: “In three weeks, we’ll have a team that no one wants to face. We’re preparing the best way possible because I believe we’ve selected a strong, competitive squad. Everyone is eager for this challenge.”

Captain Aboud Omar said: “We know our fans will be behind us, supporting and motivating us all the way. Our focus now is on training hard and building strong team chemistry. The league just ended recently, so our match fitness is intact—now it’s about adapting to the coach’s system.”

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Kenyan government, Mvurya called on Kenyans from all walks of life to impress their team and support them during the tournament that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

“I urge all Kenyans to come together, not just in support of a football team, but in celebration of our unity, national pride, and unwavering patriotism. Let us show the world that supporting Harambee Stars goes beyond cheering from the stands; it is a declaration of love for our country, as one people, one flag, and one nation,” said Mvurya.

He added: “To our players: seize this moment! You carry the hopes and dreams of more than 50 million Kenyans. Compete with honour, and play with heart, because when you rise, Kenya rises. The nation stands firmly behind you.”

Kenya are in Group A alongside DR Congo and Morocco, as well as Zambia and Angola.