This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
On Tuesday, Sports CS Amina Mohammed praised Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi and forward Michael Olunga, calling the current squad the 'best ever' to represent Kenya.
Speaking during a luncheon prepared for the national football team in Cairo, Mohammed expressed her admiration for the team's performance, saying, "Every child is now singing Matasi, every striker wants to be like Olunga."
She also commended the team's collective effort, stating, "Collectively, you have shown yourselves as the best squad to ever represent the country. The government is putting in place the necessary institutional, regulatory and policy framework needed to promote talent discovery and training in the country."
Despite the CS's sentiments, Harambee Stars struggled in the competition, winning only one of their three assignments, a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Tanzania's Taifa Stars.
The team finished third in Group 'C' and still stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the continental showpiece, depending on the results of matches including rivals Angola and Benin.
Former Harambee Stars midfielder MacDonald Mariga suggested giving the squad time and support, while media personality Carol Radull emphasized the need for investment and professionalism in the team's infrastructure, selection, and training methods.
Mohammed has also urged Football Kenya Federation to begin early preparations ahead of next month's Africa Nation's Championship (Chan) qualifiers.
