- McDonald Mariga has disclosed that he has been motivating the Harambee Stars players during the CHAN 2024 tournament.
- Mariga also described the Kenya national football team head coach Benni McCarthy as a close friend and asked Harambee Stars supporters to back the South African.
- The Kenya vs Madagascar CHAN 2024 quarter-final clash will be played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium on Friday, August 22 from 5pm East Africa Time (EAT).
While the excitement is building up in the air ahead of the mouthwatering Kenya vs Madagascar CHAN 2024 quarter-final, the influence of legends such as McDonald Mariga continues to resonate. Mariga, who has interacted with the Kenya national football team players a lot since the start of the tournament, has now revealed his specific role in the camp. The former Harambee Stars captain detailed in an interview how he is using his soccer experience to help the squad.
McDonald Mariga’s contribution to Harambee Stars
According to Mariga, his main task in the Kenya football team camp during the African Nations Championship showpiece has been to improve the psyche of the players.
“I think when I used to play I didn’t get the motivation that the players are currently getting. But, it is very important to have someone who has played football. Someone, who can talk with the players, improve their morale and give them encouragement.
You know, that small push really helps a lot. So, we are here as a family and we are ready to push them to their limits,” he stated.
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Mariga’s motivation combined with Coach McCarthy’s tactical masterclass and the determination from the players have helped Harambee Stars reach the CHAN quarter-final for the first time in history.
The squad, which has highly-rated players such as Austin Odhiambo and Ryan Ogam, secured three wins and a draw in their Group A fixtures to finish at the top of the table with 10 points.
They will now battle for the ticket to the semi-final with Madagascar on Friday, August 22, 2025. The highly-anticipated quarter-final game will start at 5pm Kenyan time.
Mariga talks about Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars future
When quizzed about McCarthy’s long-term future with the national team, Mariga urged Kenyans to continue supporting the South African tactician because he has what it takes to guide Harambee Stars to glory.
“Coach Benni is okay, but everyone has their ideas. But for now, we have coach Benni, he is doing a good job for our country. So, let’s continue with him and I’m sure we will reach far with him,” commented Mariga.
The elder sibling to ex-Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama ended by revealing that he has a close relationship with McCarthy. He described the 47-year-old as one of his best friends. Finally, Mariga promised to speak more on McCarthy at the end of the CHAN 2024 tournament.
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