Evans Gor Semelang'o, former Youth Fund CEO, has pledged to award the national football team, Harambee Stars, with KES 200,000 if they eliminate Ethiopia from the Africa Nations Championships (Chan) competition.
Semelang'o made the promise during a courtesy call to the team at Mvuli Hotel in Nairobi West on Friday evening. He is reportedly interested in contesting for the Football Kenya Federation Presidency in the forthcoming elections.
During his visit, Semelang'o encouraged the players, saying,
"Believe in yourselves. We will be there to cheer you on and provide that moral support. Getting the three goals is within your capability."
In addition to the pledge, Semelang'o also gave the team KES 100,000 for "airtime".
To advance to the next stage of the competition, Kenya must beat Ethiopia by three clear goals, following a 2-0 loss in the first leg fixture a fortnight ago.
Both Kenya and Ethiopia's tacticians are confident their teams will advance. Ethiopia coach Yoaanis Saalim stated,
"We have a lead to protect, and that is our job for at least 90 minutes."
His Kenyan counterpart, Bobby Williamson, said,
"We have prepared well and the lads all believe we can get the required result. Ours will be a balance between keeping the back tight and attacking to get the goals."
