Kenya international Francis Kahata has said they were delighted to be in the Stadium yesterday cheering African representatives Ghana battle against Portugal in the on-going 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The Kenya national team is in Brazil courtesy of a fully paid trip by the President of the country Uhuru Kenyatta and his wife. The reward by the President was as a result of the teamââ¬â¢s win of the regional 2013 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.
Kahata said although Ghana lost the game 2-1, it was great being in the stadium to support them. ââ¬ÅIt felt good cheering our African brothers and this has motivated us a lot as we await to watch more games,â⬠said Kahata.
The contingent which includes the Head of technical committee who was coach at the teamââ¬â¢s last appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations, Jacob ââ¬ËGhostââ¬â¢ Mulee in 2004, head coach Adel Amrouche and his two assistant coaches James Nandwa and Ken Odhiambo also had the opportunity to take pictures inside and outside the Stadium.
On his social media page, the Kenyan President Kenyatta also said he has been in contact with the team since they arrived.
ââ¬ÅThe Harambee Stars team arrived safely in Brazil. I spoke with the captain of the team yesterday before and after the Ghana v Portugal game which they got to watch.
"I am confident that this opportunity will inspire them to improve their performance in the coming weeks, months and years,â⬠he said.
Although the Kenyan team has never qualified for the World Cup, they become the first team in recent history to be sponsored by a President to attend the worldââ¬â¢s biggest football showpiece as mere spectators.
Before departing for Brazil, Mulee said the trip would be a big morale boost as they prepare for the next game against Lesotho in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier.
Contingent
Players: Cliffton Miheso, Francis Kahata, Paul Kiongera, Jerim Onyango, Musa Mohammed, Jacob Keli, Wilson Oburu, Duncan Ochieng, David Owino, Joe Gachoka, James Situma, Wycliffe Kasaya, Jockins Atudo
Officials: Jacob Mulee, James Nandwa, Adel Amrouche, Ken Odhiambo