The road to the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) officially began as Harambee Stars reported to residential camp at the Stadion Hotel Complex in Kasarani. The players begins preparations ahead of the CECAFA Four Nations Pre-CHAN tournament in Tanzania, scheduled for 24th to 27th July, before the team jets bach for the main continental competition in August.

Addressing the media during the official unveiling of the CHAN provisional squad, head coach Benni McCarthy touched on a number of issues surrounding player selection, including public concern over some high-profile omissions.

McCarthy was firm in his response, stating that selection was based on consistent observation, training camp performances, and overall suitability for his tactical setup.

You can’t please everyone, and I’m not here to please people,I’m here to bring success to this country. The players we’ve selected are the ones we’ve seen in camp, worked with, and evaluated during training and previous friendlies. You don’t risk tournament success on a couple of good games when you already have a core you trust.” McCarthy said.

On Shumah’s absence, McCarthy acknowledged the forward’s club form and hinted at a possible move abroad that could benefit both the player and the national team in the long run.

“I’ve not had the opportunity to speak to Shumah yet, but it’s because of the good work he’s done with his club and his performance in friendlies that he’s likely attracted attention elsewhere. If he gets a move to a bigger league, that’s a win for Kenyan football. He’ll be back for World Cup qualifiers and AFCON 2027 preparations.”

McCarthy added that the selected players were not just going to participate, but to compete seriously for honours at CHAN 2024.

We’re here to go as far as possible—hopefully even win the tournament. The boys you see here have the capability to take this team where it should be.”

Harambee Stars are expected to leave the country on 19th July for the Four Nations tournament in Tanzania. Kenya will face hosts Tanzania, while Uganda will take on South Sudan, with all matches at Karatu Stadium in Arusha.

Also speaking at the unveiling, FKF President Hussein Mohammed lauded the government’s support and reiterated the federation’s commitment to the team’s success.

The government of Kenya has done a tremendous job,” Hussein said.

“There are many who didn’t believe we could pull this off, but here we are. We’ve provided the team with everything they need, and I can assure Kenyans that nothing has been left to chance. The historical issues are behind us, we are now moving in the right direction.”