The Harambee Sand Stars and Starlets are gearing up to compete in the African Beach Games to be held in Hammamet, Tunisia from June 26 to July 1, 2023.
The national women’s team is thrilled to participate in its first international competition, and they are determined to deliver a good performance that will inspire a new generation of women beach football players.
“Even though this is our inaugural competition on such a grand stage, we are resolute in showcasing our best performance and becoming role models for other women and young girls interested in beach football,” stated coach Fathime Hamisi.
The coach further emphasized the team’s ambition to win the African Beach Games tournament and secure an automatic qualification for the World Beach Games.
Under the leadership of coach Kinero Swaleh, the men’s team is brimming with confidence and has a positive outlook heading into the tournament. Their optimism is bolstered by the team’s experience, captained by Farid Mbwana. During their debut in the tournament in 2019, the Sand Stars achieved an admirable fifth-place finish.
“Our objective is to surpass our previous performance and capitalize on the experience gained last time. We aim to win and earn a spot in the World Games,” said the coach.
The coach also attributed the team’s positive mindset to the ample preparation time they have had leading up to the competition, unlike their previous participation. The extended training camp has not only boosted morale among the players but also fostered a stronger sense of camaraderie.
“I express my gratitude to the Football Kenya Federation for facilitating early camp arrangements for the national teams. So far, the preparations have been excellent, allowing us ample time to ready ourselves for this tournament compared to the previous edition,” added the coach.
Gabriel Mghendi, Coast Region FKF NEC Member, visited the team before their departure, reiterating the commitment to support and nurture the growth of beach football and futsal in the region.
“Our objective is to make beach football just as popular as traditional football, providing young people with opportunities to express themselves through the sport. We are fully dedicated to supporting and promoting the growth of beach football,” stated Mghendi.
He further added, “You are not only representing yourselves but also an entire nation that believes in you. Play with heart, determination, and display good sportsmanship. Show the world the spirit of resilience embodied by Kenyan beach football. On behalf of the Football Kenya Federation, I wish you the very best.”
The men’s team will travel on Saturday, June 24, while the women’s team will depart on Sunday, June 25, for the African Beach Games in Tunisia.
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Men’s Fixtures
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
- Egypt vs Libya (11:30 am EAT)
- Kenya vs Senegal (3:30 pm EAT)
- Tanzania vs Madagascar (12:45 pm EAT)
- Comoros vs Morocco (2:15 pm EAT)
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
- Egypt vs Comoros (10:15 am EAT)
- Tanzania vs Kenya (11:30 am EAT)
- Morocco vs Libya (2:15 pm EAT)
- Senegal vs Madagascar (3:30 pm EAT)
Thursday, June 29, 2023
- Libya vs Comoros (10:15 am EAT)
- Madagascar vs Kenya (11:30 am EAT)
- Morocco vs Egypt (2:15 pm EAT)
- Senegal vs Tanzania (3:30 pm EAT)
Women’s Fixtures
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Cape Verde vs Kenya (12:45 pm EAT)
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Kenya vs Cape Verde (12:45 pm EAT)
Harambee Sand Stars Squad
Farid Mbwana, Hudheifa Mchulla, Ali Mwamdenzi, Zakaria Ali, Shamin Answar, Daido Manase, Mrabu Lucky Safari, Paul Kavula, Omar Swaleh, Patrick Imani, Gerishon Omunali, Lugogo Wilberforce.
Harambee Sand Starlets Squad
Verenetah Mkoa Wafula, Mercy Akumu Ojiambo, Sharon Jepkirui Bushenei, Lydiah Achieng Otieno, Calleb Teresa Ouko, Mariam Changawa, Vallary Mwanaidi Karisa, Dalcie Aoko Samba, Linda Adhiambo Seda, Christine Nafula.
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