Nick Kimathi, the Harambee Stars team manager and data analyst, has been awarded a presidential honour during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui, recognising his crucial role in Kenya’s impressive showing at CHAN 2024.
Also celebrated were Byrne Omondi, Abud Omar, and Alpha Onyango, whose performances were instrumental in driving Harambee Stars into the quarter-finals of the competition. President William Ruto presented the awards, visibly enthused by the team’s achievements and the pride they brought to the nation.
Abud Omar, who captained the side, was acknowledged for his leadership and composure throughout the campaign. His defensive discipline and experience were key to Kenya’s success, and his presence in the dressing room helped maintain unity and motivation among the squad.
Byrne Omondi, the Gor Mahia goalkeeper, emerged as a standout performer between the posts, particularly in the match against Morocco where his string of decisive saves earned him the Man of the Match award and proved vital to Kenya advancing from the group stage.
His teammate Alpha Onyango provided the creative spark in midfield, controlling tempo, distributing play, and pressing effectively, earning two Man of the Match accolades during the tournament.
Up front, Ryan Ogam, who plays professionally in Austria, was instrumental in Kenya’s progression, scoring key goals against Morocco and Zambia, showcasing composure and finishing ability under pressure.
Behind the scenes, Nick Kimathi’s innovative use of performance tracking and match analytics, including monitoring distance covered, player load, and recovery rates, allowed head coach Benni McCarthy and the technical bench to optimise training and match strategies.
President Ruto praised the players and technical team for their discipline and patriotism, noting that their CHAN 2024 achievements had rekindled national pride and renewed confidence in the future of Kenyan football as the team prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
