Fresh from winning CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup title, Kenya National team Harambee Stars was awarded on Monday by gaming firm Sportpesa.
The Kenyatta stadium show where the Stars shone against their Zanzibar opponents Zanzibar Heroes, the win attracted KSh3m as part of rewarding and celebrating their victory.
Sportpesa CEO Ronald Karauri presented the team with the cash at a luncheon held in their honour at a Nairobi hotel by Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
Stars won their seventh regional trophy after edging hard-fighting Zanzibar 3-2 on post match penalties following a pulsating 1-1 draw in regulation that turned into a 2-2 stalemate after extra time.
Karauri hailed the victory as a stepping stone towards greater things for the team that finished the tournament unbeaten, a feat not achieved since the 1983 Senior Challenge Cup in Sudan.
“It will take a lot for Kenyans to start believing in our Football and this is a great start. I’m so proud today because we can start bragging about winning. This is the beginning of many great things,” said Karauri.
But much accolades went to Posta Rangers goalkeeper Patrick Matasi who saved three penalties to emerge the ultimate warrior and he was recognised as the tournament Most Valuable Player
The FKF boss turned to Stars’ next major assignment, the second 2019 AFCON Group F qualifier at home against Ghana Black Stars that Kenya need to win to restore their bid to make the biannual continental showpiece.
“We are going to have a few games in March, preferably in a camp setup. We are still figuring out the logistics as we prepare for Ghana,” said Mwendwa.