Tanzania's national football team officially kicked off their quest for the Tsh1 billion (Ksh51 million) prize on Saturday night as Taifa Stars faced Burkina Faso in the opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
This wasn’t just another football match, it marked the start of a mission inspired by a personal pledge from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The Tanzanian President has promised a staggering Tsh1 billion (Ksh51 million) reward, to be shared among the players and technical bench, if they bring home the Chan trophy. That commitment appears to have injected new energy into the Taifa Stars camp.
For the players, this tournament is now about more than just football, it’s about pride, legacy, and a life-changing opportunity.
“This is not just a tournament, it’s an opportunity to make history,” said Taifa Stars head coach Hemed Morocco.
“Mama Samia’s promise has lifted every player’s spirit. They feel the weight of representing their country and now have even greater motivation to give their all.”
As co-hosts of Chan 2024, Tanzania capitalised on home advantage with a strong start in Group B, defeating Burkina Faso 2-0 in a commanding performance.
The electric night saw goals from Abdul Suleiman “Sopu” and Mohamed Hussein “Tshabalala,” propelling the hosts to the top of Group B, which also includes Madagascar, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic.
For many, this is more than football; it’s a national movement driven by Mama Samia’s direct support and involvement.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo made history on Sunday when he sliced the ball into the net with his left foot just before halftime.
The goal ensured victory for tournament debutants Harambee Stars over two-time champions DR Congo in their first match of 2024 African Nations Championships (Chan) at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday.
The win also guaranteed every player in Harambee Stars’ squad a Ksh1 million bonus, part of a reward package pledged by President William Ruto.
“For every game you win, each player will get Ksh1 million. For a draw, it will be half a million. If you reach the final, the team will get Ksh600 million,” President Ruto said on Saturday.
However, McCarthy said that the fat bonus was not the motivating factor for his team, saying, “For me, it is all about winning football matches. When you win, you get greatly rewarded.”
Still, McCarthy described the “incentives” promised by President Ruto as “life-changing”. “The squad has local-based players and they do not have the best of the biggest salaries. When you look at it that way, it is a morale booster.”
