President William Ruto and CS Salim Mvurya with Harambee Stars squad at Kasarani Stadium earlier today. Photo: Harambee Stars X.
President William Ruto has promised goodies to the national Team Harambee Stars in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) that kicks off today in an opening match in Tanzania.
Ruto while paying a visit to the residential camp of the team on Saturday at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani, he announced that Each player is set to receive Ksh1 million for every match they win and Ksh500,000 for each draw.
Additionally, should the team advance in the tournament, they stand to gain even more: Ksh60 million for reaching the quarterfinals, Ksh70 million for making it to the semifinals, and a staggering Ksh600 million if they clinch the CHAN 2024 title.
The Head of State had visited the team in July, donned his personalized Jersey (WSR 01), reinforced his commitment to supporting the team to success in the continental championship. Ruto was in company of Sports CS Salim Mvurya, FK leadership and Presidential Sports Board.
Adressing the players after inspecting their residential camp, Ruto called on the players and the technical team to give their best during the tournament, and clinch the title for the country.
“So long as you promise me to win, you can request anything your heart desires, anything. This is your opportunity to shine, so utilize it,” he urged.
In his address, Ruto further said that he was intentional in biding the right for Kenya to host CHAN and AFCON, which was aimed to boost the growth of sports in the country.
“When I made the decision for Kenya to bid for the rights to host the CHAN and AFCON, it was intentional and deliberate. By God’s grace, we have managed to win, and we will surely make history in Kenya in 2027 by hosting AFCON,” Ruto said.
He further urged the team to remains united to achieve success, and rallied his support and that of Kenyans to the team during the competitions.
“By having you (Harambee Stars squad) represent 55 million people, I have come as the president of the nation to say that the country is fully supporting you, all the way till you win the tournament,” he concluded.
The Head of State joined the team’s head coach Benni McCarthy in a touch-pass brief, with McCarthy teasing the President of his passing skills benefiting the national team squad. Harambee Stars will kick start their game against DR Congo on Sunday afternoon at Kasarani Stadium.
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