Why Gor Mahia official is unhappy with Harambee Stars' withdrawal from Pre-CHAN tournament
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 22.07.25. | 16:50
Bolo listed some of the effects the players might suffer as a result of the aborted mission in Arusha
Gor Mahia Vice Chairperson Sally Bolo has blasted the national team, Harambee Stars, for withdrawing from the Pre-CHAN tournament.
Kenya had travelled to Arusha, Tanzania to take part in the Four-Nation tournament that was meant to fine-tune preparations for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
However, in a shocking move, the team on recommendation of the technical bench, withdrew from the tournament on Monday 21 July, a few hours after arriving in Tanzania, citing poor conditions.
Bolo took to her Facebook page on Tuesday, 22 July to register her displeasure with the coach Benni McCarthy-led technical bench for championing for the withdrawal of the team from the tournament.
“Despite the sports logistical setbacks in Arusha, the Harambee Stars Technical Bench (TB) should have seen the bigger picture and remained for the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament,” read part of Bolo’s post.
The experienced sports administrator went ahead to explain why it was a wrong move to pull out of the showpiece.
“This was not just another friendly competition; it was a golden opportunity. After assembling a squad fresh from post-season breaks and spending days in camp, this tournament was a perfect platform to assess fitness levels, experiment with tactics, and build cohesion ahead of CHAN.
Walking away cost us more than just matches; it disrupted momentum, shattered morale, and sent the wrong message,” she added.
Bolo was quick to highlight some of the effects the players might suffer following the aborted mission in Arusha.
“Skipping this tournament may have dealt a blow to the mental preparedness of our CHAN squad and dampened the spirit of fans who were beginning to believe. This was more than a build-up; it was a statement of intent, and sadly, we missed it," she noted.
Meanwhile, Bolo asked FKF to learn from the experience and ensure the team does not suffer similar fate in future international assignments.
“In modern football, 80% of the game is won off the pitch. Travel, logistics, communication, and mental conditioning, that is where victories are shaped.
The federation must now embrace global best practices in sports and event management. Preparing national teams is not just about talent; it is about structure, psychology, and professional execution,” she stated.
.jpg)
