Harambee Stars Stranded in South Africa as Hotel Payment Dispute Delays Check-In

Harambee Stars players and officials were left stranded in South Africa after a dispute over hotel accommodation and payment arrangements delayed their check-in ahead of upcoming international friendlies against Lesotho.

The national team was forced to switch hotels after players reportedly rejected their initial accommodation, describing the facilities as substandard and unsuitable for the squad. The move triggered fresh logistical challenges, with the new hotel demanding payment before admitting the delegation.

According to reports, the hotel management initially insisted on full payment upfront for the team's stay. However, following negotiations, the establishment agreed to accept payment for only the first night. Despite the concession, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is said to have declined to settle the bill, leaving the matter unresolved.

As a result, players and officials spent more than three hours waiting in the hotel lobby as efforts to resolve the impasse continued. Hotel management reportedly maintained that no rooms could be allocated until payment confirmation was received.

The incident comes at a crucial time for the national team, which is in South Africa for a two-match international friendly series against Lesotho during the June FIFA international window.

Both matches are scheduled to be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on June 4 and June 7, providing Harambee Stars with an opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of future competitive assignments.

Kenya's original friendly fixtures against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan were cancelled at short notice due to logistical complications. FKF subsequently moved quickly to secure the two-match series against Lesotho to ensure the team remained active during the international break.

The latest developments are likely to raise concerns over the team's preparations, with attention now shifting to whether the accommodation dispute will be resolved in time for the squad to fully focus on its upcoming matches.