CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Credits President Ruto's Rare Aura for Calming Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has extended a hand of gratitude to President William Ruto ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

President Ruto has visited Harambee Stars on more than one occasion, and Benni McCarthy believes his presence alone was enough to make Harambee Stars feel comfortable ahead of the tournament.

During his visit on Saturday morning, August 2, President Ruto promised hefty cash prizes for Harambee Stars. For every game Harambee Stars win, President Ruto noted that every player will get Ksh 1 million, for every draw, Ksh 500,000, and when they get to the final, Ksh 600 million will have been set aside for them.

Benni McCarthy was over the moon following President Ruto’s pledge, noting that it is a huge confidence for Harambee Stars ahead of their campaign.

The former Manchester United attacking coach revealed that having President William Ruto visit Harambee Stars several times has been a blessing.

He pointed out that President Ruto understands how to work under pressure, and he has since been able to give Harambee Stars wise counsel on playing before home fans.

Benni McCarthy added that his taking time off his busy schedule to visit the players is also a huge morale booster for the team, and he is confident that Harambee Stars will pay back with great results.

“It’s a great promise for anybody, not just the players, when to meet your president. We’ve been very blessed and fortunate to have interacted with the President on more than one occasion,” Benni McCarthy said in a pre-match press conference.

“I think he brings a reassuring calmness to the players, shaped by the immense pressure he faces as head of state in a large, demanding nation. His presence helps them stay grounded and focused, reminding them of the bigger picture, what football, and especially the CHAN tournament, can mean for the country's future.

“Everybody was happy to see the President, and he delivered very good news. I hope meeting the President will help us to be successful for the nation and deliver in this competition.”

Harambee Stars are in Group A of the CHAN 2024 tournament alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Angola and Zambia. Morocco and DR Congo are the most successful teams in the history of CHAN, having won two titles each.

Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, in front of a sold-out Kasarani stadium.