McCarthy to Ruto: What you promised players helped, not tactics

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has said that President William Ruto’s financial promise helped the players secure win against Morocco.

According to McCarthy, tactics did not help but what President Ruto offered to reward the players motivated them.

While speaking on Monday when the President met the players, coach McCarthy thanked him for the motivation saying it was a key support.

“Harambee Stars meeting the president is inspiration enough, thank you for that. Yesterdays match, when it turned into a difficult situation I thought my technical team and I, had it all figured out tacktickly. The tactics didn’t help anything but it is what you promised the players, thank you for that,” he said.

He encouraged the players to keep up the spirit and reach the finals with the support of Kenyans and the president.

“I hope that the team can continue to grow and be the inspiration, every time they go to that field, they show a lot of bravery and courage and becoming the new heroes and new icons of the youth of today by setting the example that you do,” he added.

Ruto promised to reward Harambee Stars with Sh1 million for every game won and Sh500,000 for a draw.

This, he said, will motivate the players to succeed in all the matches.

On Sunday, Harambee Stars secured a 1-0 victory over two-time champions Morocco in their third Group A match.

With the win, Harambee Stars have secured a spot in the quarterfinals and will look to build on this momentum as they take on Zambia in their final group match.

In a statement, the President termed Harambee Stars as “resilient” for delivering the win.

Ruto has announced a significant cash incentive for Harambee Stars ahead of their upcoming clash against Zambia, promising Sh2.5 million for each player and member of the technical bench if the team secures a win on Sunday, August 17.

The President expressed confidence in the national football team and urged them to aim for victory.

“Sunday, I want us to have a new deal. God willing, we are winning. If we win, each person will get Sh2.5 million, including the technical bench,” he said.