In a move that has stirred confusion and disappointment across East Africa, Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has withdrawn from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament, just hours before their opening match against hosts Tanzania.
The tournament, which was set to begin Monday in Dar es Salaam, featured Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda-all three preparing for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which they are jointly hosting beginning this Saturday.
In a statement released on Monday morning, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) said the decision to pull out followed “recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench,” led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy.
“After a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the team’s participation and overall preparation, we decided to withdraw,” FKF said.
No specific details were given about the “conditions” deemed inappropriate, sparking questions among fans and analysts. However, the federation insisted that the move was aimed at protecting the team’s readiness for CHAN, a major continental event for locally-based players.
“The team will return to Kenya and resume preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, with full focus now shifting to ensuring optimal readiness for the assignment ahead,” the FKF statement added.
Harambee Stars’ withdrawal comes as a surprise, especially after a recent show of support from President William Ruto, who met the team at Kasarani Stadium last week.
While FKF maintains it wants to provide “the best possible environment” for the team to thrive, the late withdrawal has sparked backlash online, with some questioning the federation’s planning and communication.
Football pundit Sammy ‘Kaka’ Otieno, speaking on a local sports talk show, called the move “deeply unfortunate,” adding, “This was a chance to test our squad before CHAN. If the conditions were that bad, why accept the invitation in the first place?”
Uganda and Tanzania are still expected to play as scheduled, with possible fixture adjustments to account for Kenya’s absence.
For now, all eyes shift to CHAN 2024, where Kenya will co-host and attempt to make a strong showing under the leadership of McCarthy, the former South Africa international who took charge earlier this year.
The FKF has not confirmed whether a replacement will be named for the CECAFA tournament.
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