CHAN2024: Former Harambee Stars striker Benard Onyango hails President Ruto’s backing of football

Former Harambee Stars striker Benard Onyango, fondly known as Emboko, has applauded President William Ruto for his unwavering support towards the national football team, terming it a game-changer for Kenyan football.

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Stars have arguably been the biggest beneficiaries of government support in recent years, with financial backing flowing more steadily than in past decades.

“This support means a lot to the country and to the players, it has completely changed the perspective of football in Kenya,” Onyango told Mozzart Sport.

“Initially, athletics used to benefit more from government focus, but the narrative is shifting, and we can all see the results.”

Onyango lamented that his generation of players did not enjoy such support, saying that had similar investment been made during their time, Kenya might have lifted major silverware.

“During our time, we used to get Ksh150 as allowances when playing at home, and away matches barely fetched Ksh300 or Ksh500. Some of us are still owed by the federation to this day, yet we still fought tooth and nail for the country,” he said.

However, the former Mumias United and Uganda’s KCCA striker was quick to add that there is little value in crying over spilt milk.

Instead, he urged other leaders to rally behind the sport and make Kenya a force to reckon with regionally and internationally.

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“The players have everything to do to ensure this goodwill does not die with CHAN,” Onyango said. “They must keep delivering results to keep the government engaged and inspired to continue this support.”

Harambee Stars continue to reap the rewards of their fairytale run in the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), banking millions in bonuses and pledges.

Each player has now pocketed about Ksh5 million since the tournament began, with President Ruto promising Ksh1 million for every win and Ksh500,000 for every draw.

The government also placed a bounty of Ksh600 million for winning the tournament, Ksh70 million for a semifinal finish, and Ksh60 million for a quarterfinal spot.

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In the build-up to the tournament, Bunge FC, the parliamentary soccer team, visited the squad and gifted them Ksh1 million, translating to about Ksh37,000 per player.

President Ruto had also donated Ksh5 million during his visit on July 16, a gesture that earned each player around Ksh186,000.

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Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya added Ksh500,000 on the first day of camp, while FKF President Hussein Mohammed chipped in Ksh200,000.

In total, each member of the CHAN squad has earned at least Ksh4.7 million from the government and over Ksh200,000 from the President and other well-wishers.