Harambee Stars, have you forgotten the weight of red, white & green jersey?

Harambee Stars face scrutiny after a disappointing loss to South Sudan in CHAN qualifiers, sparking questions about preparation, commitment, and the pride behind wearing Kenya's national jersey.

"The national team jersey is not just fabric; it is a symbol of pride, a badge of honor. We play for the country, for every fan that cheers us on, not just for ourselves." — Joe Kadenge, 1970s Kenyan football legend.

Every Kenyan understands the depth of passion tied to the Harambee Stars but lately that passion feels misplaced and underappreciated.

Sunday’s disheartening 2-0 loss to South Sudan in the first leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) first-round qualifiers struck a nerve surfacing all the lingering frustrations fans have quietly harbored.

It is no secret that the players suited up with little preparation—only two practice sessions—and expected their raw talent to carry them through. They were reminded, perhaps harshly, that talent alone does not suffice on the international stage.

The CHAN tournament is unlike any other as it showcases only the players active in their respective national leagues.

For Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, this edition holds additional importance; all three nations have guaranteed spots as co-hosts. While the trio is still participating in qualifiers, it is with the understanding that the CHAN will be hosted on their home soil.

Yet, despite having this advantage Harambee Stars appeared underwhelmingly unprepared.

South Sudan’s Ezibon Malish and Yohanna Paulino found the back of the net in the second half, pushing Kenya to a corner in what was their seventh encounter, with the Bright Stars achieving only their second win in their head-to-head history.

The phrase “lack of proper preparation” has echoed from the dressing rooms of the Harambee Stars for far too long and this time, however, with just two practice sessions, it was not an excuse but a reality check.

Kenya’s preparations—or lack thereof—indicate a disconcerting mindset, as if their slot in the tournament removes the need for rigorous training and discipline. This laid-back approach raises a painful question: do our players truly feel the weight of the national jersey?

When Joe Kadenge spoke of the honor that comes with wearing the team colors, it was with the understanding that representing Kenya is as much about duty and dedication as it is about skill.

The history between Kenya and South Sudan paints a stark contrast.

In their past encounters, Kenya’s dominance was clear: from the Genocide Commemoration Cup victory in 2015 to several CEACAFA Cup wins.

Yet, in recent years, the tables are turning and it is not for lack of talent.

Kenya has seasoned players like Musa Mohammed and promising young talent like Austine Odhiambo, but without adequate preparation and strategic gameplay, their efforts are mere drops in an ocean of unfulfilled potential.

The Bright Stars, however, came onto the field with a clear strategy and the fitness to execute it, overpowering Harambee Stars in crucial moments.

Engin Firat, the Harambee Stars coach, has faced growing scrutiny as his team’s performance lags as with a win percentage that reflects this inconsistency, his last ten games in charge underscore Kenya's struggle to find rhythm and cohesion.

In their recent games, the goal statistics do little to instill confidence and the last six games reveal a team that, while capable of netting goals, also shows significant vulnerability, especially in the defense line, which South Sudan capitalized on.

These figures go beyond tactics—they reflect a mindset, an attitude toward preparation and perhaps even a lack of belief in the journey for CHAN and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

One can argue that the Kenyan football structure itself needs reform, but the players must also take ownership. When fans, who sacrifice time and resources to support the Harambee Stars, they do so with the expectation of witnessing commitment and resilience.

But it is hard to cheer for a team that seems unwilling to prepare for the battle as supporters deserve more than apologies and excuses. They deserve a team that embodies Kadenge’s sentiment—a team that recognizes the jersey as a privilege, not a right.

Looking at the Harambee Stars lineup for the game, one sees potential.

Names like Bryne Odhiambo, Marvin Omondi, and Sydney Lokale indicate a balanced mix of experience and youth. Yet potential is useless without preparation.

It is the unspoken pact every player makes when they step onto the pitch: to put their best foot forward, to give it their all, not just for themselves, but for the honor of being Kenya’s representatives.

The CHAN tournament will be a monumental event, especially since it’s co-hosted by Kenya and this should serve as a wake-up call for Harambee Stars.

While the team’s slot may be guaranteed, their performance is far from secured.

The lack of preparation witnessed in the first leg against South Sudan can’t be an option moving forward.

For the second leg, there must be a commitment—not only from the management and coaching staff but also from every player on that roster—to respect the opportunity they have. It is a chance to redeem themselves, to prove that they are not just wearing the jersey but living up to its legacy.

The challenge now is straightforward but urgent: match preparation with passion, align dedication with talent.

It is time for Harambee Stars to reflect on what that means, not just for the next game but for every game as they owe it to themselves, to every Kenyan, and to the fans who still believe in the star that represents unity and resilience.