National football team Harambee Stars has withdrawn from the ongoing CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania.
In a statement on Monday, July 21, FKF said the decision comes after consultations within the technical team led by head coach Benni McCarthy.
FKF cited unfavorable conditions that would not support the team’s objectives in the tournament as the reason for withdrawing.
"This decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team's technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the team's participation and overall preparation," the statement read.
Following the move, FKF said the team will return to Kenya to prepare for the long-awaited African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 competition.
Read More
"The team will return to Kenya and resume preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, with full focus now shifting to ensuring optimal readiness for the assignment ahead," the statement added.
Harambee Stars arrived in Tanzania on Saturday, July 19, for the competition.
The team landed at Arusha Airport around midday before proceeding to Karatu, a town located roughly 150 kilometers from Arusha, where the tournament was being hosted.
Their early arrival was part of a deliberate strategy by head coach Benni McCarthy to acclimate the players, finalize tactical preparations, and begin the tournament in top physical and mental shape.
The squad, composed entirely of home-based players, had been carefully selected with the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in mind.
McCarthy noted that the event would offer an opportunity to assess the team’s strengths, test tactical setups, and provide competitive ahead of CHAN.
"It is a good tournament to gauge our preparedness for CHAN. We are going to face formidable opponents and that will clearly show us what is working and what needs to be fixed,” he stated.
The 25-man squad named for the tournament included three goalkeepers, a mix of defenders and midfielders, and a forward line featuring both youth and experience.
