By Gilbert Wandera:
404
Friday, May 31st 2019 at 06:30 GMT +3 | FootballPresident Uhuru Kenyatta urged Harambee Stars players to always be at their best and ensure they represent the country well while in Egypt for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament.
The President spoke yesterday at State House, Nairobi as he flagged off the team ahead of the continental championships to be held between June 21-July 19.
While handing the national flag to the team, President Kenyatta told the players and the technical team to be good ambassadors, even if they do not win the finals.
“It is not about winning but giving your best. That is the most important thing. You are out there flying the Kenyan flag,” said the President.
The team, which leaves the country tonight, will be based at Marcoussis, south of Paris where they will pitch their training camp.
During their stay in France, Harambee Stars will play two friendly matches against Madagascar and DRC before heading out to Cairo for the games.
It is the first time in 15 years that Harambee Stars is participating in the biannual event. The team was last at the championship in 2004.
Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne thanked President Kenyatta for ensuring the team received full support through the National Sports Fund.
“We endeavour to represent the country well. Thank you for your support,” said the coach, who leads a 27-member team for the tournament in Egypt.
Fourteen of the players are already in Europe.
President Kenyatta assured Harambee Stars of continued support saying Kenya’s come back to the continental tournament marks an important milestone for the country.
“A journey begins with a single step. The sports fund is the first step in ensuring that all our national teams are properly funded and supported,” said the President.
Kenya will play its first game against Algeria on June 23 before facing neighbours Taifa Stars of Tanzania on June 27. They will play their final group match against Senegal on July 1.
Before qualifying for the continental tournament, Harambee Stars played return matches against Sierra Leone, Ghana and Ethiopia, finishing second in group C.
Meanwhile, Kakamega Homeboyz striker Allan Wanga was the biggest casualty as Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne named 27 players to undergo a three-week training camp in France.
Migne said Wanga, who is currently the leading goal scorer in the league, had not impressed him in the 10 days the team has been in camp.
He admitted that striking remains a big concern for the team and said he hopes to find the answer to the problems during the three days camp.
“We have looked at various aspects in coming up with the final team and among them is looking at our strengths and weaknesses and also the time remaining before the tournament kicks off,” he said.
