The Harambee Stars are discovering that life off the pitch can be as demanding as the game itself, with sudden fame, fortune and expectations reshaping their daily lives after President William Ruto awarded them millions in bonuses.
The national team secured a historic quarter-final berth at the African Nations Championship following a narrow 1-0 win over Zambia on Sunday, courtesy of a late Ryan Ogam strike. The victory saw Kenya top a tough group that also featured Morocco, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, booking a last-eight clash against Madagascar on home soil.
But beyond the celebrations, players say the limelight has brought both opportunities and challenges. Nineteen-year-old forward Mansur Suleman, who rose from St. Anthony in Kitale and Rainbow FC before joining KCB, admitted that handling sudden celebrity status has been overwhelming.
“I get a lot of calls, but I stick to my principles. My closest friends and family are the ones I focus on, the people who have been with me through the struggle,” Suleman said in a Citizen TV interview. “Fame brings all types of people, fake and real. If a new number calls me, I cannot pick up. Where were you when I was nobody? Now everyone wants a story.”
Suleman, who earned his first national call-up in March under coach Benny McCarthy, credited his teammates and the technical bench for instilling the confidence needed to perform at the highest level.
Attacker Boniface Muchiri, a Kenya Defence Forces soldier and Ulinzi Stars striker, described the pride of serving his country both on and off the pitch. “It’s a double feeling when I score and meet the President, because I serve my country both as a soldier and a player,” he said.
The players revealed that the Ksh1 million presidential bonus per match has changed their mindset compared to local club football. “In local clubs, bonuses are Ksh10,000. But Ksh1 million in 90 minutes makes you give everything on the pitch,” Muchiri added.
Winger Ben Stanley Omondi acknowledged the pressure of high-stakes matches, particularly during the group stage decider against Zambia. “If we had lost, we would have gone to play in Tanzania. But our goal is to win so the cup stays at home. That would be our biggest happiness,” he said.
Despite the pressure, the players praised improved training facilities, an electrifying fan base and McCarthy’s leadership, describing him as “a father, brother and teammate all in one.” Many, including Suleman and Muchiri, said their ultimate dream remains playing abroad to further their careers.
For the Harambee Stars, the millions represent more than financial gain. They are fuel for ambition, recognition of their sacrifices, and inspiration for the next generation of Kenyan footballers.
Written By Rodney Mbua
