Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba is optimistic of Harambee Starlets’ qualification to next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations that will be hosted in Morocco.
Ababu visited the Harambee Starlets in camp yesterday at the Nyayo Stadium and reiterated that the government is with them in their journey to qualify for the continental football bonanza.
Already, the charismatic minister has promised the Kenyan queens an incentive of shs 5m should the team emerge victorious against Botswana in the two-legged battle and make it to the WAFCON.
“I am here to let you know that the whole country is behind you. Our President, I the minister for Sports, the entire ministry is supporting you and would like to convey the message of success to you as you face Botswana.
A lot hangs on these two games, you come out on top and you are in the African Cup of Nations, I know all of you have that zeal to be there. It is a big stage that attracts a huge global audience and we want you there to fly the Kenyan flag high,” Ababu told Starlets players and the technical bench.
Ababu further gave a rallying call to local fans to throng Nyayo Stadium today and support the Harambee Starlets today and expressed his gratitude the Kenya Defense Forces for listening to his plea and that of the team to release influential midfielder Sheryl Angachi who was undergoing military training in Eldoret but now is available for selection having trained yesterday.
“We are rallying fans to come here (Nyayo) to cheer you up, they will be your 12th man tomorrow and I am sure you (players) will experience something different since Kenyans are really looking forward to this game and to support you.
We have faith in you Starlets and we believe you will give us a big margin victory against Botswana.
I am very happy that everybody managed to come and report to camp, we made everything possible to get Sheryl to join the team from the military training and would like to thank General Francis Ogolla (CDF) for that.
The government has done everything possible to ensure that your welfare is taken care of,” Ababu remarked.
Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa thanked the government for the good gesture of supporting the local game and especially the national teams.
“The women’s game is growing every day; I am so impressed by what we have done so far, we are looking at the World Cup in 2027 having missed last year. We are making steps every day and I am optimistic that we will beat Botswana and qualify to the WAFCON next year. Since I was here, we were never supported. Support is not just about money; when was the last time you saw me here on the pitch with a minister watching training? , the spirit from the ministry and the government has been so good and so strong and I am happy with what they have done for us so far,” Mwendwa said.
