'Showed Us the True Kenyan Spirit' - Harambee Stars Goalkeeper Praises President Ruto's CHAN 2024 Support

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo has given President William Ruto his flowers for his support at the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).

President William Ruto showered Harambee Stars with millions following their impressive run, which saw them go unbeaten in the group stages.

They began their campaign with a win over two-time champions DR Congo before holding Angola to a 1-1 draw. Harambee Stars also beat Morocco, 1-0 and rounded up their group stage campaign with a 1-0 win.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Heading into the quarterfinal, Harambee Stars were up against Madagascar, with the match ending 1-1. Heading into the penalty shootouts, Harambee Stars lost 4-3.

For every win, President William Ruto awarded them Ksh 1 million and following their victory over Zambia to make the quarterfinal, he awarded them Ksh 2.5 million.

Farouk Shikhalo explained that the president had been the driving force behind their success in the CHAN 2024 tournament, acknowledging that he helped them reach that point.

The Harambee Stars goalkeeper noted that the president had demonstrated the true Kenyan spirit by motivating the team both through his words and financial support.

He mentioned that the president often made surprise visits, sometimes appearing during their breakfast or dinner on the eve of a match. When he could not attend in person, he would call the captain on loudspeaker to address the entire team.

Farouk Shikhalo added that the president used to encourage Ryan Ogam to score and would reward the team afterwards. According to Shikhalo, the president had consistently stood by them, and every member of the 42-person team, including the kit manager, had received the promised money.

“The president is the one who made us go that far in the CHAN 2024 tournament…without being a hypocrite. President Ruto is the one who has gotten us to this point. He showed us the true Kenyan spirit. He motivated us with words and cash…after all those words, he gave us the money,” Farouk Shikhalo said on Alex Mwakideu TV.

“He used to pop up anytime, for instance, if we had a game the next day, he would come when we were having our breakfast or dinner. He used to come anytime, and if he could not make it, he would call the captain on loudspeaker and speak to the whole team.

“He would motivate Ogam to score, and in return, he would reward us. He stood with us. Our team comprised 42 people, with the kit manager, and everyone was given the money.”

Farouk Shikhalo pointed out that President William Ruto explained that there was no need to play the quarterfinal in Tanzania since Kasarani was ready to host the quarterfinal.

He also increased the bonus, which was enough motivation for Harambee Stars to win their match against Zambia and face Madagascar at home.

“It got to a point, after we beat Morocco, we only had one match remaining in the group stage, and a loss would mean we would go play against Tanzania at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium,” he added.

“The president told us that since we have a stadium, we do not need to go to another country, and he promised us Ksh 2.5 million. After winning the match, he deposited the money the following day.”

Farouk Shikhalo’s heartfelt remarks underscore the vital role President William Ruto played in inspiring Harambee Stars throughout the CHAN 2024 campaign.

Beyond his financial incentives, the president’s constant presence, encouragement, and belief in the team fostered a sense of unity and national pride that propelled the players to perform beyond expectations.