"Show up and cheer our champions": President Ruto urges Kenyans ahead of Stars - South Sudan friendly

Kenya’s fifth President Hon. William Ruto has issued a rallying call for all Kenyans to show up and cheer for the Kenya men’s national football team - Harambee Stars - as they take on South Sudan in their second friendly fixture this international break at the Moi International Sports Centre - Kasarani on Tuesday 12 September 2023 from 1600 EAT.

In a Tuesday morning video filmed at State House, Ruto first congratulated Engin Firat’s team for their win last Thursday against Qatar, before commending the fanbase that rocked the Al Janoub Stadium in Doha while in support of Harambee Stars.

“Congratulations Harambee Stars for winning against the Qatar national team last week,” he said. “I am happy very many Kenyans showed up in Qatar to cheer on our team.

“As you are all aware, today at 4 PM, Harambee Stars will be playing against South Sudan. I want to ask all Kenyans to show up to cheer our champions - The Harambee Stars.”

He however didn’t state whether he would attend the match himself.

Tuesday’s game will be special for Stars, as it will offer them a chance to play in front of their home fans for the first time since November 2021, when Kenya defeated Rwanda 2-1 in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers at the Nyayo National Stadium.

In reference to the first game against Qatar, it was reported that over 11,000 Kenyan fans made their way to the Al-Janoub Stadium in Qatar on 7 September, when Kenya registered a last-gasp 2-1 victory over the reigning Asian Cup champions.

Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu gave Kenya the lead in the 20th minute of the game after heading in a Kenneth Muguna corner kick, before Amos Nondi tapped in a stoppage-time winner in the second half to cancel out Hassan Al Haydos’ equalizer from the spot.

Nondi buries late winner as Harambee Stars edge Qatar in memorable friendly

Whether a number close to 11,000 show their presence at Kasarani will be a wait-and-see situation, even as team captain Michael Olunga sounded a similar message as the President’s.

"The mood in the camp is good and every player is ready to give their all. It will be the first match at home after a very long time and Kenyans should come out in huge numbers and support the team," Olunga said during the team's last training session at Kasarani on Monday.

"The Kenyans in Qatar did a good job in cheering the team. They helped push us to the end and I hope those at home can do the same tomorrow. There is a lot of interest among Kenyans in trying to support the team and we now just need to put our house in order. The team is progressing well. The coach is trying to assemble a blend of experienced and youthful players. We are not being carried away by this, we are in the right direction though.”

Kenya holds a decent record against the Bright Stars of South Sudan, having won all four of their head-to-head fixtures with an aggregate score-line of 8-1.

The sale of tickets will commence at eight in the morning on Tuesday, with three selling points; one outside Kenya Cinema in the CB and the other two at Kasarani's Gate 2 and Gate 12.

Regular tickets for the match will retail at Ksh 200, with VIP tickets going for Ksh 500.