Fifty Harambee Stars fans have travelled to Malawi to offer the national team support following last-minute complications that marred a state-sponsored bus trip last week.
Fifty Kenyan fans traveled to Malawi on Monday morning to support Harambee Stars when they face Ivory Coast in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
The fans, under Kenya Football Fans Association (KEFOFA), had to pay for their own return air tickets, and will also cater for their accommodation for the duration of their stay in Malawi.
Initially, Trade CS Moses Kuria was supposed to facilitate a 32-hour bus trip to the country in order to get the fans watching Kenya face both the Burundi and Ivory Coast, but pulled out of sponsoring the trip at the very last minute.
11:12 - 06.06.2024
KEFOFA issues statement on aborted state-sponsored bus trip to Lilongwe to support Harambee Stars
A number of KEFOFA members were set to travel to Lilongwe to support the Harambee Stars as they take on Burundi and Ivory Coast, but the state-sponsored bus trip hit an unexpected hurdle on Tuesday.
In a statement released by KEFOFA on Friday, the plan was to ensure there was still representation of the fans for the second match against Ivory Coast.
“The Executive of Kenya Football Fans Federation (KEFOFA) wishes to update that a decision has been reached that ensures our fans get representation in at least one Harambee Stars World Cup qualifier match,” they wrote on Friday.
“To this end the office shall be dispatching at least two members to attend the match against Ivory Coast on Tuesday 11 June based on the mutual understanding that they shall sponsor themselves for the trip but fly the KEFOFA and the Kenyan flags in the spirit of patriotism.
“Kindly understand that this is an option of last resort to at least ensure our member representation.”
19:31 - 07.06.2024
Harambee Stars dearly miss home support as Burundi fans create carnival atmosphere in Malawi
Harambee Stars felt the impact of Kenya’s inability to stage home matches in Nairobi when Burundi supporters outnumbered their fans at the Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe.
Now, chairman Francis Liboyi has confirmed that up to 50 fans decided to facilitate themselves in efforts to support Kenya when they take on the reigning African champions at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
“The ticket costs Ksh83,000 but fans have willingly decided to invest using their own resources just to be there. They will also pay for their own accommodation, but it is all in efforts to ensure that there is adequate support for our national team,” Liboyi told Pulse Sports.
KEFOFA's commitment to backing the Harambee Stars remains strong, as they navigate the challenges of ensuring fan representation at crucial matches. KEFOFA will continue to update its members as new developments arise.
Despite the setbacks, KEFOFA aims to unite fans and fortify their support system for the Harambee Stars, ensuring such disruptions do not mar future events.