CHAN 2024: Kenya and Tanzania chase glory, history and millions in presidential bonuses

At the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), it’s no longer just about lifting the trophy—Kenyan and Tanzanian players are chasing history, national pride, and life-changing bonuses pledged by their presidents.

Kenyan President William Ruto has promised Harambee Stars a staggering Sh600 million if they go all the way. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has committed Tsh1 billion (about Sh51 million) to the Taifa Stars should they clinch the title.

Tanzania kicked off their campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday night, beating Burkina Faso 2-0 in the opening Group B match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The win was more than just a strong start—it was a declaration of intent, buoyed by direct presidential backing.

“This is not just a tournament, it’s an opportunity to make history. Mama Samia’s promise has lifted every player’s spirit. They feel the weight of representing their country and now have even greater motivation to give their all,” said Taifa Stars head coach Hemed Morocco.

Top of Group

Goals from Abdul Suleiman "Sopu" and Mohamed Hussein "Tshabalala" secured the victory, placing Tanzania at the top of Group B, which also includes Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic. As co-hosts alongside Kenya, the Taifa Stars now carry both belief and the full backing of their nation.

A day later in Nairobi, Harambee Stars stunned two-time champions DR Congo 1-0 in their Group A opener at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Austin Odhiambo's first-half goal not only earned three points but also triggered a Sh1 million payout for each player, part of the bonus scheme unveiled by President Ruto.

“For every game you win, each player will get Sh1 million. For a draw, it will be half a million. If you reach the final, the team will get Sh600 million,” Ruto declared on Saturday.

Disburse money

After the win, the President personally congratulated the team and instructed Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed to begin disbursing the funds.

“Please give me a call first thing in the morning so you can come and get the money and then give it to these gentlemen,” he said.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy praised the team’s resolve, noting that the bonus wasn’t their only source of motivation.

“For me, it is all about winning football matches. When you win, you get greatly rewarded,” McCarthy said.

Still, he acknowledged the value of the incentives: “The squad has locally based players and they do not have the best of the biggest salaries. When you look at it that way, it is a morale booster.”

Beyond match wins

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• history and millions in presidential bonuses

President Ruto’s bonus plan extends beyond match wins.

A quarter-final appearance will earn the team Sh60 million, with Sh70 million for reaching the semi-finals. Even a tournament draw will see each player and delegation member pocket Sh500,000.

“I want to encourage you to keep it up… you have made us really proud today with the way you played well. On Thursday, you have another match against Angola and much work lies ahead. I want you to continue pushing forward, and as you do so, I will also continue adding more (incentives),” Ruto told the players after their victory.

Harambee Stars now sit second in Group A with three points, level with Morocco, who top the group on goal difference after a 2-0 win over Angola in Sunday’s late match at Nyayo Stadium.

With both East African teams off to strong starts and fuelled by the promise of handsome rewards, CHAN 2024 is quickly shaping into a high-stakes pursuit, not just for football glory, but for a place in national and financial history.