CHAN 2024: Ex-Kenyan coach lauds host nations for floating significant cash rewards for players
The governments of Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, the co-hosts of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), have floated significant cash rewards for their respective teams.
In a bid to motivate players to perform better, the presidents announced cash rewards based on various milestones, including winning matches and the overall competition.
Can millions motivate East African Teams to CHAN glory?
In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan promised approximately $398,000 to be shared among the players and technical bench if they win the CHAN trophy.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni also threw his hat into the high-stakes reward race, pledging $337,000 for every Uganda Cranes victory.
Kenya’s President William Ruto, on the other hand, promised each player $7,700 for every win, and $4.6 million if the team reaches the final.
After a surprising 1-0 win over two-time CHAN champions Morocco, President Ruto announced he would give each player $19,400 if they beat Zambia in their final Group A match.
Speaking to the team on Monday, August 11, Ruto said:
“I will give each player $7,700 if you go past the quarter-finals, and a two-bedroom house under the government’s affordable housing programme.
If we go past the semi-finals, I will upgrade the houses from two to three bedrooms.”
What is the impact of cash incentives by CHAN co-hosts?
Speaking to CGTN Africa, former Harambee Stars coach Ghost Mulee lauded the cash incentives.
Former Harambee Stars coach Ghost Mulee./ CGTN AFRICA.
“That is long overdue, and I am happy that the presidents bit the bullet to handsomely reward players. A $7,700 reward in Kenya is unheard of.
I remember when I was coach, the most we got from the late President Daniel Moi was around $19,400 for the whole team. In 2013, we won CECAFA, and I was the technical director. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta gave us $15,500 to share among nearly 30 players.”
According to Mulee, the incentives could inspire the next generation of footballers:
“It means young boys in the village will be motivated to pursue football as a career.
Someone recently told me he started practicing football after learning of the cash reward—but unfortunately, he is too old for the sport.”
