Former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech in action [Standard]
Former Harambee Stars striker Dennis “The Menace” Oliech has been unveiled as the Pamoja African Nations Championship Ambassador for Kenya.
Kenya is stepping into a historic chapter of African football as it makes its debut appearance in CHAN 2024, which it co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
The tournament, set to run until August 30, marks a significant milestone for East Africa, as it unites three nations in hosting the continent’s premier competition featuring only domestic league players.
Follow The Standard
channel
on WhatsApp
Oliech has been unveiled as Kenya’s official ambassador for the tournament, inspiring local fans and players alike.
This year’s CHAN is especially noteworthy for its delayed preparations — after months of stadium renovations and logistical hurdles, CAF finally approved the event, praising the collaborative effort of the host countries.
Kenya’s national team, under the guidance of South African head coach Benni McCarthy—who previously served on Manchester United’s coaching staff—aims to make a strong statement on home soil.
Their debut is all the more historic given the tournament’s background. It’s the first time since 1976 that East Africa has hosted a CAF championship of this magnitude, and the first-ever edition jointly hosted by three nations under the “Pamoja” (Swahili for “together”) banner. The event also serves as a precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The competition features 19 teams, all of which must use players exclusively from local clubs—no athletes playing abroad are permitted.
The tournament kicks off in Tanzania, where hosts Tanzania will face Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.