Government gives Harambee Stars Shs2.5m for each win
By Vincent Voiyoh, November 16, 2023Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba yesterday promised to give the national football team Harambee Stars Sh 2.5m for every win in their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers commencing today with a match against Gabon, as a way of motivating the team as they embark on a campaign for their first ever global showpiece.
Namwamba who was present at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) yesterday morning to see off the team to Libreville, said the team would get Sh5m should it collect six points from the opening two fixtures against Gabon (today) and Seychelles (Monday).
“For every three points that you give me, you will get Sh2.5 million. You win these two qualifiers (Gabon and Seychelles) and I have your Sh5 million ready as you land back in the country,” Ababu said.
The minister tipped the Harambee Stars to give an exemplary performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Despite the injuries that have dented Harambee Stars preparations, Ababu feels that the team is well equipped to down their opponents Gabon this evening in Franceville, noting that all the welfare of the players and the technical bench have been taken care off.
“The government and the entire nation is fully backing this team. We have really prepared the boys through the friendly matches in Mauritius, Iran, Qatar, South Sudan and Russia and I believe we have prepared well for tasks ahead.
“We have paid all the allowances and the issue of the coach is being settled and even provided a chartered plane to take them to Gabon and Ivory Coast respectively. I understand we have players who are out because of injuries but all the players available are capable of delivering the desired results,” the minister told People Sport.
Today marks 547 days since Kenya was suspended by FIFA for government interference and the country had been locked out of international competitions.
FIFA lifted the suspension in November last year but Harambee Stars could only feature in build matches after being dropped from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers as a result of the suspension.
When the team walks from the tunnel of the Franceville Stadium to face Gabon this evening, it will be a significant gesture of returning to international football after a thirsty period of close to two years.
“I am really happy that Kenya will be playing their first game in nearly two years due to FIFA suspension. I am optimistic that this team will represent us well, I have talked to the boys and encouraged them to put in the work and we wish them all the best, I urge all the Kenyans to join hands in supporting our team Harambee Stars,” an elated Namwamba added.