Eager Omar, captain of Harambee Stars, aims to make an impact in domestic matches
Kenya Readies for CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars Set to Make History
Kenya is gearing up to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Tanzania and Uganda. The tournament, running from August 2 to 30, 2025, will see Kenya's group stage games, including the opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), take place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
The stadium has been refurbished and prepared to host the matches, with the Kenyan government implementing heightened security measures and logistical arrangements to ensure smooth operations. The stadium, with a capacity of approximately 48,000, has undergone final preparations, including technical setups for broadcasting, IT, electronic branding, and equipment checks.
The Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national team composed exclusively of players competing in the Kenyan domestic league, have been in camp for nearly a month under coach Benni McCarthy. The team captain, Abud Omar, is optimistic about their home advantage and eager to impress in front of local fans after a period of playing home games abroad due to previous stadium sanctions.
In the upcoming tournament, Omar will captain Harambee Stars in his first major tournament at home. He has emphasized his role in mentoring younger players in the squad, and McCarthy's references Argentina's victory in the Qatar World Cup, despite starting with a defeat, as an example of the importance of mental strength.
McCarthy states that they are aiming for a win against DR Congo in their opening match, and considers a good result crucial for building momentum in the CHAN tournament. Omar shares this sentiment, expressing his excitement about playing in front of their fans after a long time.
The CHAN tournament is a platform primarily for showcasing local talent from domestic leagues. Unlike Africa Cup of Nations, only locally based players are eligible to compete in CHAN, giving them exposure to international scouts. Kenya hosting CHAN 2024 is viewed as a significant milestone and a rehearsal for the upcoming AFCON 2027, which the country will also host alongside other nations.
Tomorrow, the Chan tournament kicks off with an opening ceremony in Tanzania. Kenya will begin their campaign the next day against DR Congo at the refurbished Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The team is fully prepared for the tournament, and the home support is expected to boost their morale as they strive for a successful run in the competition.
The Harambee Stars anticipate using their home advantage to make a mark in the business aspect, as hosting the CHAN tournament could attract international scouts, potentially leading to significant opportunities for the local sports industry.
In addition to the sports arena, Kenya's successful hosting of the CHAN tournament in 2024 could also have positive impacts on health, as an increase in physical activities involved in sports could encourage a healthier lifestyle.
With the CHAN 2024 games approaching, Kenyans can stay updated on the tournament by regularly checking the epaper for the latest news, match schedules, and results.
