Former Harambee Stars defender Ricky Solomon has offered a comprehensive analysis of Kenya’s chances in the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).Kenya has been placed in a tough Pool A alongside two-time champions Morocco, Angola, inaugural champions DR Congo, and Zambia.Solomon did not mince words when describing it as the Pool of Death.Kenya pays Ksh1.6 billion to CAF to host African Nations Championships (CHAN)“Group A is the group of death. For Kenya, the most we can realistically achieve is a draw. The chances of qualifying (for the knockouts) are tough,” he told Mozzart Sport.Turning his focus to Kenya’s regional rivals in Group B, Solomon painted a more optimistic picture for Tanzania.“Tanzania will likely draw with Madagascar but secure wins against Mauritania and C.A.R. However, they might face a tough loss against Burkina Faso. Their chances of qualifying look good overall,” he predicted.##NAJAVA_MECA_8632930##Solomon’s analysis of Group C was more measured, especially when evaluating Uganda’s chances.“For Uganda, the chances are evenly balanced—a solid 50/50,” he noted.The former Harambee Stars defender went on to express concerns about Kenya’s readiness, shedding light on the team’s lack of a stable first eleven and the inconsistent approach to squad selection.Video of CS Joho attending former Liverpool defender’s business launch surfaces“Kenya needs high-class friendly matches to identify our first eleven. The main issue with our national team is that we gamble with our starting lineup. Changes are only made when a player gets injured, and this approach is a big problem,” he said.Solomon went on to explain that discipline was also a major issue for the team. His concerns stemmed from the team’s poor showing in the Mapinduzi Cup match against Zanzibar.##NAJAVA_MECA_8632953##It all came crashing down in the 67th minute when Alphonce Omija was adjudged to have committed a foul just outside the box. This call drew the wrath of several players, led by captain Abud Omar.As a leader, Omar, on as a second-half substitute, took it upon himself to launch a tirade at the centre referee, even going overboard to initiate contact, frequently bumping his athletic body into the referee.At that point, a red card was brandished, only for the Kenya Police FC left-back to swipe it away from the referee’s arm, causing a scene barely believable.Mariga addresses issue of players player going months without pay“Discipline is another critical area that needs attention,” Solomon offered.The Kenya Football Coaches Association (KEFOCA) boss further called for the appointment of a Kenyan coach with extensive experience on the local scene to lead the team.He gave the example of former Tusker FC head coach Robert Matano, who is a three-time Kenyan Premier League winner. Matano won the title with Sofapaka FC in their debut season in 2009 and with Tusker in the 2012, and 2020/21 seasons.##NAJAVA_MECA_8632944##With the tournament set to bring together teams from across Africa, Solomon expressed confidence that Matano could be available to lead the team. Since Tanzania is also competing in the tournament, their domestic league will be on break, creating a perfect window for the experienced coach to step in.“We don’t have a consistent first eleven, and that’s been our biggest setback. To make progress, we need to prioritize working with local coaches since time is not on our side,” he advised.Solomon’s analysis is rooted in decades of football experience.Why Ghost Mulee wants Francis Kimanzi to lead Harambee Stars CHAN finalsAs a former vice-captain of the Kenya Youth Team and captain of the Coast Youth Team, he honed his leadership skills early.A career highlight includes meeting football legend Pelé during his visit to Mombasa in 1978. He was part of the U18 team that won the CECAFA title for a record three times from 1980-1984.The legendary player also turned up for Harambee Stars as they made their AFCON debut in 1972 and later served on the CECAFA technical organizing committee in 2014.##NAJAVA_MECA_8632972##In 2021, his contributions to Kenyan football were honoured during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
