NAIROBI, Kenya, November 27 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Kenyans to rally behind Harambee Stars in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that kicked-off on Wednesday at Nyayo National Stadium.
Uhuru was speaking in Nairobi while receiving the FIFA World Cup Trophy that is in the country for two days before it heads to neighboring Tanzania.
“Coincidentally when the trophy last visited, the country hosted Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup which once again begins today (Wednesday).
“I urge all Kenyans to support our national team to victory in the next two weeks, I thank Coca-Cola for supporting soccer in the grassroots youth football tournaments especially the Copa Coca-Cola and bringing the World Cup Trophy to our country once a gain,” stated Uhuru who was the only one allowed to lay his hands on the 18-carat gold trophy.
“This event comes at an opportune time when we are celebrating our 50 years of independence and part of it will entail recognizing and honoring our many sporting heroes.
“Legendary soccer players, many of whom were mesmerizing maestros on the pitch, are among the heroes to be honored,” the President continued.
Uhuru urged footballers and relevant stakeholders to work hard and ensure Harambee Stars qualify for the global showpiece.
“Even though we are yet to enjoy the honor of being paraded at the FIFA World Cup finals, we remain an avid football-loving and playing nation.
“Sports in Kenya is growing impressively and soccer is among them, my Government, through the ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, is implementing strategies aimed at boosting the development of talent and sports in the country,” he concluded.
The chartered plane carrying the solid-gold trophy, touched down in Nairobi Wednesday morning and Kenyans will have the opportunity of coming close to it and take photos on Thursday at Kenyatta International Conference Center.
Kenya is among 88 countries, eight in Africa hosting the most coveted prize in the world of sports.
The trophy on its second visit in the country, last visited in 2009.