Harambee Stars and Ulinzi Stars forward Boniface Muchiri has lauded President William Ruto’s efforts to reward national team players for every win in the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, August 17, Muchiri noted that such incentives are a huge motivation compared to what footballers usually receive at club level.
"Our President knows how to motivate. A player’s motivation is everything. In our clubs, bonuses never reach that level; you’ll probably get around Ksh10,000 after every game you win.
"But this, Ksh1 million for 90 minutes, wouldn’t you give everything on that pitch? The President promised us and he’s delivering. We’ve already played our part, and I know tomorrow he will play his part too," he said.
Muchiri, who doubles as a Kenya Defence Forces officer, also highlighted the pride and responsibility that comes with representing both his club and country.
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"I'm a soldier in the Kenya Army and also a footballer. I am playing for Ulinzi Stars. For me, it’s about the two uniforms, one for the job and one for the field.
"With both, I have got one mission, to fight for my country and that is what I am doing. Given the opportunity, I do my best 100%. I always stay ready so as not to get ready. My country comes first, the rest will follow," he added.
Since the tournament kicked off, Ruto has been promising Harambee Stars players various rewards, particularly cash and houses.
For instance, following their win against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, the Ministry of Sports paid Ksh42 million to the national team.
The money, disbursed on Monday, August 4, was distributed amongst 27 players and 15 members of the team's technical bench.
In a brief statement, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said a similar reward awaits the team should they win their next fixture against Angola on Thursday, August 7.
"President William Ruto has fulfilled his commitment to pay Ksh1 million each to all 27 Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench, a total of Ksh42 million, following the national team's 1-0 win over the DRC on Sunday.
"The Sports ministry disbursed the funds, and a similar reward awaits the team after Thursday’s game against Angola," he said.
Now, following their win against Zambia on Sunday, August 17, Harambee Stars players are set to receive Ksh2.5 million each.
In a statement after the game, Ruto congratulated the national team for their win and promised to honour his promises.
"Congratulations, Harambee Stars! You have done the nation proud, inspired immense joy, and united our country in celebration. Now, march forward and conquer the continent. Do not settle for less - just as we, as a nation, must never settle for anything less than glory. As for me - I will play my part. After all, the cure for debt is paying it off," he said.
In addition, the players are set to receive Ksh500,000 each from ODM leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
"Party Leader Raila Odinga has promised to give Harambee Stars Ksh500,000 each after beating Chipolopolo of Zambia 1-0 at an entertaining match staged at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani," ODM announced.
