Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma wades into Harambee Stars' squad selection
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 14.07.25. | 07:16
McCarthy’s squad checked into residential camp on Friday evening as preparations began in earnest for the month-long tournament
Kenyan international defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has thrown his weight behind the Harambee Stars squad selected for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), expressing full confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion despite public skepticism.
Ouma’s remarks come in the wake of mounting criticism from sections of the local football fraternity, questioning newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy’s 30-man provisional squad.
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However, Ouma, who plies his trade with Polish side Raków Częstochowa and is a trusted figure in the Harambee Stars squad, believes the selected players possess the quality and drive to lead the country to continental glory.
“In regard to squad selection, the coach has full mandate to execute his job and choose players based on merit,” Ouma told Mozzart Sport in an exclusive interview.
“I have full confidence in the players called up. This is a golden opportunity for them to showcase their talent and use the tournament as a platform to elevate their careers.”
McCarthy’s squad checked into residential camp on Friday evening as preparations began in earnest for the month-long tournament, which kicks off on August 2.
Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda in a tri-nation hosting arrangement, will stage all Group A matches at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.
The Harambee Stars find themselves in a challenging group featuring two-time champions DR Congo, Angola, Morocco—also two-time winners—and regional rivals Zambia.
Despite the daunting opposition, Ouma remains optimistic, urging the players to seize the moment and make the most of the home advantage.
“It’s a huge opportunity for the country to host a tournament of this magnitude,” he added. “The team must harness the support of the home crowd, play with purpose, and do everything possible to bring the trophy home.”
The championship’s opening ceremony will be staged at Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where hosts Kilimanjaro Stars will face Burkina Faso in the curtain-raiser.
The final, scheduled for August 30, will be played at Kasarani Stadium, with the eventual winners pocketing a record USD 3.5 million (approximately Ksh 453 million).
