The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has broken its silence on Kenya’s Harambee Stars’ sudden withdrawal from the Four Nations Tournament.
Harambee Stars said it withdrew from the tournament 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.
Of particular concern to McCarthy were the substandard hotel conditions, the absence of a proper training ground, and the lack of basic amenities such as internet access, a vital communication tool in modern team operations.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 22, CECAFA revealed a series of last-minute efforts made to accommodate the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) demands.
The regional body expressed deep regret over FKF’s decision to withdraw Harambee Stars from the Four Nations Tournament, terming the move unfortunate.
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CECAFA Details Efforts to Accommodate Harambee Stars Before Sudden Exit
It noted that the withdrawal came on July 21, just hours before kick-off, despite all reasonable concerns raised by FKF having already been addressed.
The Council said it had changed Kenya’s team hotel to one of their choosing and ensured full-board accommodation with meals aligned to the team’s dietary preferences.
It also installed dedicated internet routers at the hotel for the exclusive use of the team.
These actions, it noted, were taken in good faith and with urgency to make the Kenyan delegation comfortable and fully supported in their preparations.
The Council pointed out that Uganda and Tanzania, who arrived in Karatu as scheduled and have been using the same facilities, expressed no dissatisfaction with the tournament’s organization.
It added that Senegal—the fourth participating team and reigning CHAN champions—was en route to Karatu and remained committed to honouring the fixture schedule.
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Council Faults Kenya for Late Withdrawal
CECAFA described Kenya’s withdrawal as unfair, especially after all efforts were made to meet the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) requests.
It emphasized that the sudden decision undermines regional cooperation and compromises the integrity of a preparatory tournament designed for the collective benefit of CHAN-bound teams.
Kenya was originally scheduled to open their campaign against Uganda on Monday, July 21, followed by a clash against hosts Tanzania on Thursday and a final group game against Senegal on Sunday.
Despite the late withdrawal, the tournament will proceed, with Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal remaining in the competition.
Harambee Stars will now shift focus fully to the 2024 CHAN, as the team looks to make a mark in the continental competition.
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