Situma: Kenyans must seize CHAN opportunity despite 'tough' draw

Kenya’s Harambee Stars are set to face a daunting challenge in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), having been drawn into a group alongside continental heavyweights Morocco, Zambia, and Angola.

Football pundits and fans alike have dubbed it the ‘Group of Death,’ but former national team player James Situma sees it as a golden opportunity for both players and fans.

“As a player, you want to be the best, and you have to compete with the best. I believe it’s an opportunity for the players,” Situma remarked.

“As a country, it will be so easy to have fans at the stadium because we are going to play against Zambia, Angola, and Morocco. This is also an opportunity for fans to see some of the best players on the continent and in the world at large.”

The draw, which took place on Wednesday this week at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, was a high-stakes moment.

When retired Kenyan international McDonald Mariga pulled out Morocco’s name, an audible collective groan echoed through the audience. The reaction underscored the magnitude of the challenge ahead, but Situma urged Kenyans to shift their perspective.

“When Morocco was picked to face Kenya in the same group, the audience laughed because they saw problems. But for me, it’s also a massive opportunity for the Kenyan players because it’s a big platform to showcase their talent. If you want to play professional football, you have to compete against the best in Africa,” opined the KEFWA president.

Situma emphasised the importance of thorough preparation to make the most of the home advantage.

“Playing against North African teams has been a tall order for East African countries, but football has changed, and it’s all about preparation. I believe we have a good technical bench and will have a good coach in place,” he said.

“It’s going to be an all-round effort- the coaches, players, and the Football Association must come together to prepare a competitive team because we are playing at home.”

As Kenya gears up to welcome Africa’s football elite, the call to rise to the occasion resonates with Situma’s optimism reminding both players and fans that the ‘group of death’ could be the stage where Kenya’s football dreams come alive.