Former Harambee Stars defender Eugene Asike has offered crucial advice to the men’s football national team, Harambee Stars, ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe tournament, a precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that East Africa is preparing to host, will serve as a test event for infrastructure, logistics, and organizational capacity.Kenya will host Group A, featuring DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, Zambia, and the hosts themselves, with all matches scheduled to be played at Kasarani Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004768##In an interview with Tata Sports, Asike, who has played for Tusker and currently turns out for Lancing FC in the United Kingdom, noted the importance of early and consistent preparation if Harambee Stars are to make a meaningful impact.“We need to prepare well. The team should get into camp early and give the coach enough time to work,” said Asike.He believes that with the tournament’s tight schedule, an early start in camp will allow coach Benni McCarthy and his technical staff to fine-tune tactics, build cohesion, and instil the right mentality among the players.Kenya is set to commence its training on July 10, after McCarthy named a provisional 30-man squad, with the team scheduled to take part in the CECAFA Four-Nations Tournament in Tanzania as part of their build-up.Expert prediction on Collins Sichenje’s top-five European leagues’ chancesAsike also highlighted the critical role fans will play in shaping Kenya’s campaign.“Fans expect the best, and they always turn up to support the team. We owe them a strong start,” he said.“That first match is critical. Everyone needs to show up, fill the stadium, back the boys and support the technical bench and the federation.”He called on fans to fill Kasarani and create a roaring home atmosphere to lift the team, especially in the opening match, which he believes will set the tone for the rest of the group stage.Michael Olunga on the verge of completing historic transferWhen asked about Kenya’s chances in a group stacked with continental giants, Asike was optimistic, pointing to the talent already present in the FKF Premier League.“Kenya has a lot of football talent. It’s just about tapping into it and giving the right support,” he said.“Our league has some fantastic young players. If we guide them and give them encouragement, we’ll see great competition.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9004557##Asike remains confident that with the right support structures and development pathways, the current pool of homegrown players can grow into a formidable unit, not just for CHAN but also for the much-anticipated AFCON 2027 on home soil.“Looking at the local league, I believe the squad that will represent Kenya in AFCON 2027 will be strong. The potential is there.”He concluded by urging the Football Kenya Federation to stay committed to nurturing domestic talent, noting that investment in local football will determine the country’s long-term success on the continental stage.
