Harambee Stars could walk away with a major financial boost if they beat Zambia in their final Group A match at CHAN 2024, after President William Ruto promised each player Ksh2.5 million for a win.
Ruto made the announcement on Monday, August 11, at the Pullman Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where he met the team following their stunning 1-0 victory over Morocco at Kasarani on Sunday.
The President, who had earlier promised Ksh1 million per group-stage win, raised the stakes for the upcoming clash against Zambia. He also pledged an additional Ksh1 million and an affordable housing unit for each player should they triumph in the quarter-finals.
“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 CHAN because it’s within close reach,” Ruto said.
The housing pledge came after goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo, speaking on behalf of the team, reminded the President about affordable housing support. Ruto assured them arrangements would be made to facilitate access to government housing units.
Kenya, co-hosting CHAN 2024 with Uganda and Tanzania, have surpassed expectations after beating the DRC 1-0, drawing 1-1 with Angola, and defeating Africa’s top-ranked Morocco despite being reduced to 10 men for much of the match. Ryan Wesley Ogam scored the winning goal against Morocco.
From the first three matches, Harambee Stars players have already earned Ksh2.5 million each under the President’s earlier incentives.
The team sits at the top of Group A with seven points, making a quarter-final slot almost certain. Morocco and Angola still have slim chances to overtake Kenya, depending on other results.
There’s also a possibility of a high-stakes quarter-final against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, who have cruised through Group B with a perfect record.
