The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has become more of a bonus pledge by presidents within the East African community.
It began with President Samia Suluhu pledging Sh 51 million (Tsh 1 billion) to the national team if they claimed the title.
CHAN then kicked off on Saturday night with Tanzania’s Taifa Stars beating Burkina Faso 2-0 in the opening Group B match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
“This is not just a tournament, it’s an opportunity to make history. Mama Samia’s promise has lifted every player’s spirit. They feel the weight of representing their country and now have even greater motivation to give their all,” said Taifa Stars head coach Hemed Morocco.
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President William Ruto followed suit, promising Harambee Stars a staggering Sh600 million if they advance to the finals.
On Sunday, Harambee Stars stunned two-time champions DR Congo 1-0 in their Group A opener.
A goal by Austin Odhiambo in the first half triggered the Sh1 million payout per player promised by the president.
“For every game you win, each player will get Sh1 million. For a draw, it will be half a million. If you reach the final, the team will get Sh600 million,” Ruto said.
In fulfilment of the promise, the sports Ministry has on Monday paid 27 players and the 15 technical bench of Harambee Stars a total of sh 42m following the Sunday win.
Uganda President Yoweri Museveni has also promised the Cranes Sh 43 million (1.2billion Uganda shillings) per match won.
“The president has committed a sum of 1.2 billion Uganda shillings per win,” announced Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
Uganda will face Algeria tonight in a highly anticipated match that kicks off at 8.00 pm at Namboole Stadium.
As the CHAN 2024 games continue, the tournament is now shaping into a high-stakes pursuit, not just for football glory, but for a place in national and financial history.