Football Kenya Federation Vice President McDonald Mariga has paid a courtesy call to the Harambee Stars squad ahead of their Sunday, August 3, 2025, fixture against DRC in their opening match of the CHAN tournament.

The Kenyan legend visited the team’s training base this Friday, August 1, 2025, and interacted with the national team players.

“FKF Vice President @MarigaOfficial pulled up to training today. The boys got a timely surprise visit and some extra motivation ahead of their first match against DRC,” FKF said.

His visit comes as Kenya ramps up their preparations for the upcoming CHAN games, with only two days to Kenya’s opener against DR Congo.

The football icon becomes the most recent high-profile visitor to the team, following after similar visits from Kenyan musical heartthrob Bien-Aime and the Bunge FC team, among others.

During Bien’s visit to the team on Monday, July 28, 2025, Harambee Stars posted a light message that all their enemies would be suffering after the musician’s visit to cheer them on

“The President of the Bald Man Association, Bien Aimé, met up with us today, and we agreed all our enemies must suffer this #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024,” the statement reads.

Pep talk

Bien, who posed with the squad, also donned the team’s official jersey during the brief session at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Meanwhile, Stars preparations were further boosted on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, following Bunge FC’s visit to the team base at the Kasarani stadium.

The delegation, led by Bunge FC captain and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, offered words of encouragement and presented a Ksh1 million token of support from Members of Parliament.

“We have come here first as Members of Bunge Football Club, and second as lawmakers, to encourage the Stars and their technical team,” said Hon. Amolo. “If there is anything pending that may affect the team’s performance, we will push as MPs to make sure our country delivers both as host and team.”

The lawmakers pledged their full support to the Harambee Stars throughout the tournament, which Kenya is co-hosting alongside Uganda and Tanzania. They also committed to attending all of Kenya’s matches in solidarity with the players.

“We are here to encourage you and to ensure that everything is in place as you prepare for this important task,” stated Wanami Wamboka MP Bumula.

Senator Eddie Okech of Migori encouraged the players to seize the opportunity, reminding them that the tournament could be a gateway to bigger dreams.

“Football is a game, so go there to play well, chase your dreams and ensure that you give your best while at it.”