Gor Mahia’s interim coach is determined to replicate the achievements of the 1997 squad, which set a record for the highest number of players representing the Kenyan national team. With the rescheduled 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) now set for August, he sees this as an opportunity to inspire his players to reach similar heights.
The coach expressed optimism about his team’s prospects, emphasizing the importance of staying focused despite the tournament’s delay. “For our players, this is a fantastic chance to showcase their talent on Africa’s second-biggest stage. The postponement gives them more time to reignite their drive, stay disciplined, and impress the national selectors. We hope to have a significant number of our players in the CHAN squad because that’s what Gor Mahia stands for,” he said.
Reflecting on the past, he highlighted the remarkable achievement of the 1997 All-Africa Games finals, where Gor Mahia contributed nine players to the national team. This legacy serves as a source of motivation for the current squad. “That’s the standard we’re aiming for. We want to inspire our players to represent the country on home soil and earn their place in the team. They have the time to prepare and prove themselves,” he added.
The 2024 CHAN tournament, which features players exclusively from their domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Kenya will host matches at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, leveraging the home advantage to energize the team and fans alike.
The official draw placed Kenya in Group A alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, setting the stage for competitive and thrilling matchups. Playing in front of a home crowd, Kenyan players are eager to make their mark and elevate the nation’s football profile.
The postponement of CHAN offers Kenyan players additional time to prepare and strengthen their case for inclusion in the national team. The coach stressed the importance of hard work, discipline, and unity in achieving this goal. “This is a golden opportunity for our players to shine, and we’re doing everything we can to support them,” he stated.
As preparations continue, Gor Mahia’s players are expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the national team. The team’s rich history of contributing talent to the national side serves as an inspiration and a benchmark for the current squad.
Kenya’s hosting of the tournament marks a significant milestone for East African football. It provides a platform to showcase local talent and strengthen the region’s reputation in African football. The coach remains optimistic about the team’s potential and is committed to helping his players seize this opportunity to excel on the continental stage.
With the countdown to CHAN underway, Kenya’s football fraternity is rallying behind the national team, hoping to deliver a memorable tournament that highlights the region’s passion for the sport. Gor Mahia’s players, alongside their counterparts from other FKF Premier League clubs, are poised to form the backbone of a team that aspires to make history.
