At the start of the eighth edition of the tournament in East Africa, President Ruto promised Harambee Stars players Ksh1million for every win, and Ksh500,000 for a draw. Additionally, the team stood to earn Sh60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, Sh70 million for making it to the semi-finals, and a staggering Sh600 million should they clinch the title.
While paying the team a visit at their hotel on Monday, August 11th, following their success to defeat two-time CHAN champions Morocco 1-0 in their third match of the tournament, President Ruto confirmed revised figures for the remaining matches including the final group clash against Chipolopolo of Zambia.
“Already as we speak here, I have your reward for yesterday’s win against Morocco,” Ruto said to the applause of the players. “It was a very clear deal, if you win, I pay, so I have come to honour my part, you won against Morocco, and I am here to pay your bonuses.
Players to pocket Ksh2.5million if they beat Zambia
“Now, heading to Sunday (against Zambia), I want us to have a new deal. On Sunday, it will be a very different package. If we manage to win on Sunday, every player will pocket Ksh2.5million, and it means if we win we qualify for quarters.”
The Head of State added: “In the quarters, if we win the game and reach the semis, on top of Ksh1million, I will add what you have been asking me, a two-bedroomed affordable housing unit in a location of your choice. I hope it is very clear, I want us to read on the same page.”
Ruto added: “If we go past the semi-finals, I will upgrade the affordable house from two bedrooms to three bedrooms. If we reach the final, I don’t want to reveal what I will offer here. I will come back and we sit down. If we win the trophy, then we will have to meet again, sit down and agree, but by then every one of you will already have a three bedroomed house by the time you reach the final.”
Ruto then posed a question to the players, do we have a deal? They responded in unison, yes. He concluded: “You will keep part of your bargain, fans will keep their part of the bargain and I will keep my part of the bargain.”
President Ruto further termed Harambee Stars recent results at the CHAN as a proof of what unity can achieve for any nation.
“Unity has always propelled us forward. We must never allow negativity, failure, or doubt to prevent us from reaching our full potential. If we believe in ourselves and refuse to let division or hate enter the equation, Kenya can become the great nation we all dream of.
“The Harambee Stars are proof of what unity can achieve. They have brought the country together and we are all witnessing the success it is bringing to the nation. We stand behind you, praying that this time we will win CHAN because it’s within close reach.”
The statement win against the Atlas Lions, following a 1-0 victory over DR Congo and a 1-1 draw with Angola, lifted Kenya to seven points from three games and left them within touching distance of a historic quarter-final berth on their tournament debut.
Kenya’s victory against Morocco was among the biggest shocks in CHAN history, halting Morocco’s 14-match unbeaten CHAN run. Victory over Zambia in their final group game would see them top the group; even a draw could be enough to progress.
