With just days to the kick-off of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), Parliament Football Club (Bunge FC) paid a morale-boosting visit to the Harambee Stars training camp. The MPs led by team captain Otiende Amolo (Rarieda) pledged their full support to the national team ahead of the kick off match on Saturday.
The lawmakers, who are also footballers in their own right under the Bunge FC banner, presented a Sh1 million cash donation to the national team and offered words of encouragement to the players and technical staff as they prepare to represent Kenya in the tournament.
“We have come here first as Members of Bunge Football Club, and second as MPs to encourage the Stars and their technical team. If there is anything pending, we will push as MPs to make sure our country delivers both as host and as a team,” said Dr. Amolo.
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Dr. Amolo emphasized the legislators’ intention to attend all the team’s matches both at home and away as a show of solidarity.
Sentiment echoed by Wanami Wamboka (Bumula) reinforcing the purpose of their visit.
“We are here to encourage you and to ensure that everything is in place as you prepare for this important task,” he said.
Migori Senator Eddie Okech told the players to embrace the challenge ahead: “Football is a game so go there, play well, chase your dreams, and give your best while at it.”
Moses Kirima (Central Imenti), reminded the players that their performance could open international doors.
“Many international scouts will be in attendance, so put your best foot forward,” he said.
Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South) lauded the Stars’ determination and urged fans to show up in numbers:
“You’ve come this far because of resilience and patriotism. Let’s all show up and support our boys.”
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Harold Ndege expressed his gratitude for the MPs’ visit, terming it a timely show of unity and support.
“We are thankful for this thoughtful gesture and want to assure Kenyans that the team is in great shape. We ask fans to turn up and cheer the boys.”
Harambee Stars captain Aboud Omar described the visit as a major morale booster to the team ahead of kick off on Saturday.
“We are all ready for Sunday, and we shall do our best to represent Kenya in the entire tournament. We’re calling on our fans to come and support us in large numbers,” he said.
In a symbolic show of unity, the team will be donning red jerseys throughout the tournament. Kenyans have been encouraged to wear red and purchase official merchandise as a sign of national pride and support.