The 1-1 draw with Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium should prompt the government and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to address the problems surrounding Harambee Stars.
A national team cannot prepare effectively for a major international assignment when players are protesting over unpaid allowances. The dispute disrupted preparations and overshadowed a match that should have been about Kenya’s football ambitions.
The impact of the disrupted preparations was apparent against Eritrea. Kenya lacked fluency in attack and struggled to create clear opportunities. The team also seemed short of the cohesion expected from a side playing an important competitive fixture. Coach Benni McCarthy acknowledged the effect of the limited preparations.
The tight schedule offers little room for further disruption. Kenya face Guinea in Conakry on Thursday, October 1, followed by matches against South Africa. The next camp must, therefore, be properly planned, with players’ welfare secured and the technical team given adequate time to prepare.
Kenya will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament calls for strong facilities, adequate funding, professional administration and effective coordination to prepare Harambee Stars.
The Eritrea match has exposed weaknesses that can be corrected. The government and FKF must act now to ensure financial and logistical disputes no longer undermine the team. FKF must ensure allowances and other logistical arrangements are settled before players assemble, while the Ministry of Sports must ensure funds for national team assignments are released promptly.
Better coordination between the federation and the government is necessary to prevent administrative problems from repeatedly spilling into the dressing room.
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