Michael Olunga's motivational message to Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN opener

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has issued a powerful message of support to Kenya as they gear up for their debut appearance at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

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The month-long biennial continental showpiece, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, dubbed 'Pamoja 2024', officially kicks off on Saturday, 2 August, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with hosts Tanzania set to face Burkina Faso in the opening fixture.

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In a heartfelt video shared by the national team's official X (formerly Twitter) account, Olunga, currently plying his trade with Al Arabi SC in Qatar, delivered a motivational address to the squad.

"I want to take this opportunity to wish you success in the upcoming CHAN 2024. I know you guys are well prepared and well motivated, from the players to the technical bench.

I know you’re ready to achieve, and we are fully behind you, supporting you from a distance. Go make it count. Let’s go, Kenya,” Olunga said.

Kenya will mark its maiden appearance in the CHAN tournament with a high-stakes opener against two-time champions DR Congo on Sunday, 3 August, at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM.

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The home support will be crucial as Harambee Stars aim to make a strong first impression in the tournament reserved exclusively for players active in their domestic leagues.

Their second Group A fixture, set for Thursday, 7 August, against Angola, will be historic in its own right as it will be the first competitive national team match to be played under floodlights in over two decades.

The group campaign continues with a showdown against 2018 champions Morocco on Sunday, 10 August, before Kenya wraps up the group stage against Zambia on Sunday, 17 August.

South African tactician Benni McCarthy, appointed as Harambee Stars head coach in March, will be aiming for his first victory at the helm and, more ambitiously, a shot at CHAN glory.

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Despite a turbulent preparation period that saw the team lose key players to beyond borders transfers, including FKF Premier League top scorer Moses Shumah and runner-up Emmanuel Osoro to Zambia's Power Dynamos, McCarthy has named a competitive 25-man squad brimming with local talent and potential.

Injuries to midfielder Brian Musa, heart issues affecting Swaleh Pamba, and the imminent move of Mohamed Bajaber to Simba SC further complicated McCarthy’s plans.

Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 Squad

Goalkeepers:

Farouk Shikalo, Bryne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa

Defenders:

Siraj Mohamed, Michael Kibwage, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Aboud Omar, Kevin Okumu, Lewis Bandi, Manzur Suleiman

Midfielders:

Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Emmanuel Erambo, Marvin Nabwire

Forwards:

Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch, Ryan Ogam, David Sakwa, Boniface Muchiri, Masud Juma, Edward Omondi, Brian Michira