Farouk Shikhalo reveals how Ruto influenced Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2025 performance
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo has revealed how President William Ruto influenced the national team’s impressive performance at the 2025 African Nations Championship(CHAN) tournament.
Speaking during an interview with Alex Mwakideu in an episode aired on Saturday, October 11, 2025, Shikhalo credited Ruto for playing a major role in Harambe Stars’ stellar performance.
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Also watch: Kenyans’ reaction to Harambeee Stars’ performance at the CHAN 2025 tournament.
The goalkeeper explained how Ruto’s support, motivation, and financial backing inspired the players to give their best on the pitch.
“Kuna three types of motivation, ya kwanza ni maneno, I can talk to you polity na kuna harsh way ni motivation pia na kuna ya tatu, the most important pesa, “Shikhalo revealed.
“So kitu president alifanya alikuja akaweka pesa, president alijua ku motivate,president ndio amekuwa pillar yah ii CHAN yeye ndio amefanya hii CHAN tukafika mahali tumefika.“
According to the experienced goalkeeper, Ruto not only offered words of encouragement but also provided direct financial incentives to the team.
“He stood with us in terms of cash, motivational words and showed us the Kenyan spirit,” he added.
“The president used to pop in anytime kama kesho ni game mnaweza kaa hivi mnapiga breakfast ama dinner ndio huyo na kama hakuji ni simu. Amesimama na sisi sana.”
Also watch: Ruto’s promise to the national team before the CHAN tournament.
Memorable moment
Shikhalo recalled one memorable moment after Harambee Stars’ victory over Morocco, when Ruto personally intervened to reward the players and boost morale ahead of the next match.
He said the President not only increased their cash reward but also challenged them to beat Zambia and avoid travelling to Tanzania for the next stage.
“Bada ya sisi kushinda Morocco,kuna vile table ilikuwa imekaa kwamba tukicheza na Zambia tukuke draw ama wakitushinda inafaa tuvuke tuende Tanzania, raisi alikuja aja sema “Sisi tuna uwanja tunaenda wapi? Si munifungie hawa watu niwapatie Ksh 2.5 million,” he recalled.
The goalkeeper added that this show of support made him feel truly proud to represent Kenya.
“As a Kenyan footballer, that was the best moment ile niliona worth playing for Kenya, ata before hata game ianze alikuja Kasarani kukagua kama ground iko ready alitupea Ksh 5million,” he added.
Shikhalo’s remarks highlight how Ruto’s close involvement helped build the national team morale during the CHAN 2025 tournament.
Quarterfinal stage
Harambee Stars’ fairytale run in the 2025 African Nations Championship came to a crashing end at the quarterfinal stage on Friday, August 22, 2025, with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out loss to Madagascar at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.
