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Police FC defender Aboud Omar has promised that a strong Harambee Stars squad will be built for the 2025 CHAN tournament.

Kenya, as well as Uganda and Tanzania, are expected to host the continental showpiece, and Omar, who has been appointed as captain for the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar, is hopeful of a strong side then.

“It hasn’t been an easy ride for the national team, especially with most of our games being played away. We’ve missed the support of our fans. I urge them to keep standing by us. We are building a strong team for CHAN, and we’re excited about finally playing in front of our home fans after such a long time,” Omar said as quoted by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) website.

Privilege

He will skipper the national team during the tournament in Zanzibar that will run from January 3-13, 2025.

“It’s a privilege and honour to be named captain. Having been part of the national team setup for a long time, I understand what this role means. Winning the Mapinduzi Cup is our bare minimum. I’ll demand more from the players, but above all, I must lead by example as an experienced player and a veteran of the team,” he said of his new responsibility.

Kenya will start its campaign with a game against Burkina Faso on Saturday, January 4, 2025, and Omar said their main aim is to win the cup.

“We have prepared well, and the team is in good shape. There’s a perfect blend of senior players and young talents who have shown immense potential and worked hard to make the final squad. We are not underdogs, and the target from the onset is to win the Mapinduzi Cup. Anything less would be a failure,” he added.

He also spoke about his personal ambition in as far as joining another club is concerned.

“I feel stronger and better now, and I know if I keep working hard, I’ll get another opportunity to join a bigger club abroad. That’s always been the dream for any footballer, and I’m no different,” he concluded.