Harambee Stars Coach Paul Put wants fans to continue rallying behind the team. [Photo/ footballkenya.org]
National soccer team Harambee Stars coach Paul Put, has reiterated his call to the local football fans to solidly rally behind the team, ahead of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches.
On Sunday, Harambee Stars won the 7th Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Senior challenge cup title, after beating hard fighting Zanzibar Heroes 3-2 on post match penalties.
The match had to be decided by spot kicks after the teams remained locked at 2-2 after the normal 90 minutes and 30 extra minutes, at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Speaking at a Nairobi Hotel on Monday during the team’s luncheon, coach Pul Put said that everybody – more so fans are needed on board in order to enable Harambee Stars bring back the lost football glory of the 1980’s and 90’s.
“We need everyone on board. We want to call upon our fans and everyone to support us. We need fans to fully rally behind the national team. All of us must pull in the same direction,” the coach is quoted by goal.com
The Belgian tactician was appointed Harambee Stars coach last month. He signed a two year contract.
He will now shift his attention to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The tournament will be held in Cameroon between January and February 2019.
Kenya is in group F of the qualification campaign, alongside Ghana, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.
The last time Harambee Stars qualified for AFCON tourney was in 2004 in Tunisia, under former coach Jacob Ghost Mulee.