CHAN 2024: Kenya Needs Just a Point to Secure Quarterfinal Spot
Kenya's Harambee Stars as they take on Zambia in their final group match. Find out what it takes for them to secure a spot in the quarterfinals and their potential opponents.
Kenya President William Ruto has taken a bold step to motivate the Harambee Stars by increasing their winning bonuses to Ksh2 million starting with their quarter-final match against Zambia at Kasarani Stadium. This move comes as a boost to the team's morale, especially after their impressive performance in the group stages.
Incentives for Success
The President's incentives include:
Ksh1 million for every win and Ksh500,000 for every draw
Ksh60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, which they've already achieved
Ksh70 million for making it to the semi-finals
A staggering Ksh600 million if they clinch the title
Affordable Housing Promise
President Ruto also promised each player an affordable housing unit if they reach the semi-finals, with the promise upgrading to a three-bedroom unit if they succeed in reaching the finals. This long-term incentive aims to secure the players' future beyond their football careers.
President William Ruto visited the Harambee Stars at their hotel on Monday, August 11, to congratulate them on their 1-0 win against two-time CHAN champions Morocco. During the visit, he confirmed revised figures for the remaining matches, including the final group clash against Zambia. “Already as we speak here, I have your reward for yesterday's win against Morocco,” Ruto said, as the players applauded.
Reward Details
Win against Zambia: Each player will receive KSh 2.5 million
Quarter-final win: Each player will get KSh 1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice
Semi-final win: The housing reward will be upgraded to a three-bedroom unit
Ruto emphasized his commitment to honoring his promises, stating, “It was a very clear deal, if you win, I pay, so I have come to honour my part, you won against Morocco, and I am here to pay your bonuses.” He disbursed KSh 42 million to the team, with each of the 27 players and 15 technical staff members receiving KSh 1 million for their win against Morocco.
President William Ruto has promised each Harambee Stars player a bonus of KSh 2.5 million if they secure a victory against Zambia in their final Group A match. This promise comes after the team's impressive performance, including a historic 1-0 win against Morocco. The President also met with the team to congratulate them on their success and handed out KSh 42 million in bonuses for their win against Morocco, with each player and technical staff member receiving KSh 1 million.
President Ruto posed a question to the Harambee Stars players, “Do we have a deal?” The players responded in unison, “Yes.” Ruto then concluded, “You will keep part of your bargain, fans will keep their part of the bargain and I will keep my part of the bargain.” This exchange highlighted the mutual understanding and commitment between the players, fans, and the President.
Unity Key to Success
President Ruto emphasized that the Harambee Stars' recent results at the CHAN tournament serve as proof of what unity can achieve for any nation. He commended the team's performance, noting that their success is a testament to the power of unity and collective effort. The President's message resonated with the players, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and national unity.
“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 will win CHAN because it’s within close reach.”
Additional Rewards for Tournament Success
Quarter-final win: Each player will receive KSh 1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice
Semi-final qualification: Each player will be awarded a two-bedroom affordable housing unit and an additional KSh 1 million
Reaching the finals: The housing unit will be upgraded to a three-bedroom unit, with an additional KSh 1 million cash bonus.
Harambee Stars Players Set to Pocket KSh 2.5 Million for Beating Zambia
“Now, heading to Sunday (against Zambia), I want us to have a new deal. On Sunday, it will be a very different package. If we manage to win on Sunday, every player will pocket Ksh2.5million, and it means if we win we qualify for quarters.”
The Head of State added: “In the quarters, if we win the game and reach the semis, on top of Ksh1million, I will add what you have been asking me, a two-bedroomed affordable housing unit in a location of your choice. I hope it is very clear, I want us to read on the same page.”
Ruto added: “If we go past the semi-finals, I will upgrade the affordable house from two bedrooms to three bedrooms. If we reach the final, I don’t want to reveal what I will offer here. I will come back and we sit down. If we win the trophy, then we will have to meet again, sit down and agree, but by then every one of you will already have a three bedroomed house by the time you reach the final.”
Kenya's Harambee Stars have made a remarkable start in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), currently topping Group A with 7 points from three matches. Their campaign has been marked by impressive wins, including a historic 1-0 victory over two-time CHAN champions Morocco, which halted Morocco's 14-match unbeaten run, and a 1-0 win against DR Congo. They also secured a 1-1 draw against Angola, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Qualification Scenarios
Guaranteed spot: A win against Zambia would secure a top-two finish and guarantee Kenya's progression to the quarterfinals.
Likely progression: Even a draw might be enough to see them through, but results from other matches would also play a role in determining their fate.
Potential risks: Kenya needs to be cautious of other results, as specific combinations could still jeopardize their qualification despite their strong performance so far.
Upcoming Match
Kenya's final group match against Zambia promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the quarterfinals. A win would not only secure Kenya's progression but also give them a chance to top the group, potentially setting up a more favorable matchup in the next stage.
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