Aduda: Presidential motivation for Harambee Stars a double-edged sword

Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chief Executive Officer Lordvick Aduda says the presidential motivation extended to Harambee Stars in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign is a double-edged sword — bringing with it both positive and negative pressure.

Aduda believes that while the motivation could spur the players to victory, it may also increase the fear of failure among them.

“The motivation is two-sided,” Aduda said. “The boys will be under pressure to win, but at the same time, they’ll have that fear of losing. Kenyans should pray that the positive pressure prevails over the darker side of it.”

President William Ruto pledged Ksh1 million to each player and technical bench member for every win - ahead of their CHAN 2024 Group A opener against DR Congo — a match Kenya won 1-0 on Sunday at Kasarani. The same reward awaits the team for every win in the tournament.

Looking ahead, Aduda tipped the Stars to edge past Angola in their second match on Thursday, citing the strong home support as a major advantage.

“I watched Angola in their opening match. They are a good side, but Kenya can beat them, especially with the massive home support, including a huge turnout by local fans,” he noted.

Kenya currently sit second in Group A, level on three points with leaders Morocco, who boast a superior goal difference.

Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo is the toast of the nation after scoring the winning goal against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3.

Harambee Stars' next fixture is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, against Angola — a side that lost 2-0 to Morocco in their opening game.

Like Kenya, Angola has never lifted the CHAN title, making Thursday’s clash a critical tie. A second win would not only boost Kenya’s quarterfinal hopes but also earn each player another Ksh1 million reward.

Asked whether Kenya can go all the way to the knockout stages, Aduda was optimistic.

“It’s very possible for Kenya to even reach the semi-finals. Football is a game of 90 minutes, and anything can happen. The boys have trained just as hard as all the other teams, giving them an equal chance,” he said.

Kenya is in what head coach Benni McCarthy termed the ‘Group of Death’, which features Morocco — two-time CHAN champions — and debutants Zambia and Angola.

“Never before has such motivation been seen in Kenyan football. The President has shown his commitment to the game — from stadium renovations to motivating the players,” Aduda added.

He believes this kind of motivation will have a long-term impact by igniting ambition among local league players who will now want to break into the national team.

“Every player in the local league will now work harder to earn a call-up. This is huge, and I urge other stakeholders to also come up with incentives for our players,” Aduda said.

Harambee Stars still have three more group matches to play — against Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. The top two teams in Group A will progress to the quarterfinals.