Harambee Stars withdraws from CECAFA tournament over poor conditions

Harambee Stars training at the Nyayo National Stadium on March 21, 2025. (Photo: FKF Media)

By Lucy Mumbi
Monday, July 21, 2025

FKF confirmed that the team will return to Kenya immediately to resume preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda starting Saturday.

Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has pulled out of the CECAFA four-nation tournament in Tanzania, citing unsuitable conditions for the team’s participation and preparation.

In a statement on Monday, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) said the withdrawal followed recommendations from the team’s technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy, after assessing the prevailing conditions in Tanzania.

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“This decision has been made following 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,” FKF said.

The regional tournament was scheduled to kick off Monday, July 21, with Harambee Stars set to face hosts Tanzania in the opening match. However, FKF confirmed that the team will return to Kenya immediately to resume preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda starting Saturday.

“Our focus now shifts fully to ensuring optimal readiness for the CHAN qualifiers,” the federation said.

FKF further stressed that the withdrawal was necessary to safeguard the team’s long-term objectives.

“We remain committed to providing the national team with the best possible environment to compete and represent the country with pride,” the federation added.

According to FKF, the team had arrived in Tanzania on July 19 but opted to withdraw after internal consultations and an assessment of the training and logistical conditions.

It noted that plans are now underway to resume training in Nairobi under improved conditions.

Coach McCarthy, who assumed leadership earlier this year, has consistently emphasised the need for structured preparations and high standards in the team’s training.

The team’s preparations had earlier received a boost when President William Ruto pledged his full support for the national side ahead of the CHAN tournament. Addressing the players during a visit to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on July 16, Ruto emphasised the nation’s faith in the team.

“I have come here as President of Kenya to say that we trust and believe in you. We believe in your capacity, we believe in your potential,” Ruto told the players after inspecting the tournament venue.

“You represent the hopes and dreams of every Kenyan from every county, every background, every political side and every religion. We will support you, we will pray for you and we will be cheering you on with one voice.”