Stars coach Paul Put calls for 'buzzing atmosphere' in Machakos

What you need to know:

  • Stars take on Zanzibar in Sunday’s final at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos and the Belgian wants a buzzing atmosphere as he bids to lead the team to victory in his first assignment since taking over a month ago. 
  • Kenya, who last won the Cup in the 2013 which they hosted the tournament, will be angling for their seventh Cecafa title.

Harambee Stars coach Paul Put has issued a rallying cry to Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and cheer the national team during the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup final in Machakos. 

Stars take on Zanzibar in Sunday’s final at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos and the Belgian wants a buzzing atmosphere as he bids to lead the team to victory in his first assignment since taking over a month ago. 

The move to take the final to Machakos has received wide criticism due to the low turnout of fans witnessed during the group stage matches, with critics arguing that Kakamega and Kisumu counties have been providing a more vibrant atmosphere. 

The stands at Kenyatta Stadium were barely half full when Stars played Libya, Zanzibar and Tanzania in the group stages. 

“I hope it will be the same in Machakos. The people turned up in numbers in both counties (Kakamega and Kisumu) and if you have their support, it makes work easier for the boys,” said the Belgian after beating Burundi 1-0 in the semi-finals at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Thursday. 

“This is what I am asking from the public, we need to play our matches 12 against 11. When I took over in Burkina Faso, there was a big problem with fans, players were afraid to play for the national team because of the public mockery. I told the fans, support the team and once they did it, we managed to reach Afcon (Africa Cup of Nations) final in 2013.” 

“I am urging Kenyans to show up and push our team not only in the final tomorrow but also during our Afcon qualifiers.” 

Kenya, who last won the Cup in the 2013 which they hosted the tournament, will be angling for their seventh Cecafa title.