Mcheze kama nyinyi! Ruto to Harambee Stars ahead of match with Morocco

President William Ruto is rooting for Harambee Stars ahead of the match with Morocco for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Harambee Stars will be playing against Morocco on Sunday at 3 pm at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium.

The President asked Kenyans to pray for Harambee Stars as they face Morocco, promising to reward their efforts.

He said that for every game won, he will read each player with Sh1 million and Sh500,000 when they draw.

“Today Harambee Stars will be playing against Morocco, I told Harambee Stars that in every game they win, every player will walk away with Sh1 million, if they draw, they get Sh500,000, and I have paid them already for the games won earlier,” Ruto said.

“I ask all Kenyans to pray for our brothers, the Harambee Stars to win today’s match. They should do what they do best, Kenyans will also do the same and I will do what I do best for them to succeed. If they score a goal, you celebrate and I will pay.”

Kenya currently leads Group A with four points, following a victorious opener against DR Congo and a spirited 1-1 draw with Angola. 

This puts the Stars in a strong position ahead of their third fixture against Morocco on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Coach McCarthy, himself a former South African football legend, has stressed that Morocco, ranked significantly higher and boasting a formidable track record, cannot be underestimated. 

But he remains confident that Kenya's discipline and home advantage can level the playing field. 

“Football is played on the pitch, not on paper,” he said.

Ruto announced a Sh600 million reward package for the Harambee Stars if they win CHAN.

The President said the move was aimed at boosting morale ahead of the tournament.

Under the new incentive structure, each player will receive Sh1 million for every match won and Sh500,000 for every draw.

The team will earn Sh60 million if they reach the quarterfinals, Sh70 million for reaching the semifinals, and a record Sh600 million if they lift the trophy.

In an official communication shared by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the federation confirmed the reward pledge, reiterating the government's support for the team’s CHAN campaign.

Last week, Ruto honoured his pledge to reward Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench following Sunday’s win against DR Congo.

A statement from State House confirmed the reward and noted that the funds were released through the Ministry of Sports as a token of appreciation and encouragement to the team.

“The Sports Ministry disbursed the funds, and a similar reward awaits the team after Thursday’s game against Angola,” said State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

On Friday, the government fulfilled the pledge by awarding each of the 27 players and 15 technical staff members Sh500,000 for their performance in the match.

“H.E. the president has kept his promise to Harambee stars after the draw with Angola yesterday. This afternoon, all 27 players and 15 officials have been awarded the cash prizes of 500K each as promised,” a statement from the Ministry of Sports confirmed.

The monetary reward is part of the government’s efforts to motivate the national team and boost morale as they continue their qualification journey.