Former Kenyan international James Situma beleives Kenya has the right ingredients to over tough group A in CHAN
Former Kenyan international James Situma has shared his insights on how Kenya can navigate the “Group of Death” in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The draw, held on Wednesday, January 15, at the KICC in Nairobi, placed Kenya in Group A alongside African football powerhouses Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia.
Situma sees the tournament, to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August, as a golden opportunity for Kenyan football.
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“This is the biggest platform to showcase their talent,” Situma said via NTV. “If you want to play professional football, this is the channel—you have to compete with the best teams in Africa.”
Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee believes Kenya’s Harambee Stars can replicate the side that reached the semi-finals of the 1987 All-African Games on home soil at the upcoming CHAN 2024 despite landing ‘group of death’.
Acknowledging the historical challenges East African teams face against North African opponents, Situma stressed that preparation will be Kenya’s key to success.
“Playing against North African teams has always been a tall order, especially for East African countries. But football has changed, it’s all about preparation. I believe we have a good technical bench, and with a good coach in place, it’s going to be a holistic effort. The coaches, the players, and the federation must come together to prepare a competitive team because we are playing at home,” he said.
Situma emphasized that hosting CHAN is a unique opportunity for Kenyan players to gain exposure, for fans to rally behind the team, and for the country to reinvigorate its football infrastructure.
Highlighting the importance of Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, Situma said, “It’s a dream opportunity for so many players to aspire to play at the highest level. For us, it’s also a chance to invest in our league. We need a very competitive league to allow the technical bench to form a strong squad capable of competing with the best. We can’t afford to bow out at the group stages, especially since we’re playing at home with the fans behind us.”
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Here is all you need to know about Morocco, DR Congo, Angola and Zambia who will face Kenya in Group A at CHAN 2024.
He reflected on the 2013 CECAFA tournament, where Kenya triumphed under similar national pressure.
“I remember in 2013, we felt the pressure to perform because our mothers, brothers, and the entire nation were behind us. It’s the same now. This is also an opportunity for the current Football Federation to show that Kenyan football is heading in the right direction,” Situma added.
The former Harambee Stars defender’s formula for advancing out of the group stages is simple. “To get out of the group, we have to win games. It’s all about planning. We can beat anyone. Here at home, with the best squad and fans behind the team, we can,” he says.
Situma also urged patience and unwavering support from fans, acknowledging the immense pressure that comes with playing on home soil.
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Harambee Stars interim coach Francis Kimanzi has been very particular in wanting his players to harness one trait if they are to defy the odds in group A of the 2024 CHAN group of death.
“We’re playing against some of the best teams on the continent, and sometimes things may not work out as we want. But we must be patient and support the team from the first minute to the last. I believe in the boys, and I believe the Federation will put together good structures, plans, and big friendly games to ensure the team is ready.”
Kenya’s Group A opponents boast impressive credentials. Morocco and DR Congo are two-time CHAN winners, while Zambia and Angola are known for their competitive edge. It remains to be seen whether interim coach Francis Kimanzi who oversaw the side during the just concluded Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar will be at the helm come August, but one thing is clear, it will be a tall order for whoever is incharge.
For Situma, the challenge is clear, but so is the potential. With meticulous preparation, home support, and a unified effort from players, coaches, and the federation, he believes Kenya can rise to the occasion and make history at CHAN 2024.
