Harambee Stars coach reveals how ‘crazy’ Kenyan fans could help team cope with AFCON 2027 pressure
Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasil Masounakis believes Kenya can tap into its love for football and successfully host the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) game during the 2027 tournament.
Speaking on Sunday, May 7, 2026, after Kenya thumped Lesotho 4-0 in a second friendly match in Pretoria, the South African said the team’s technical bench anticipates a massive reception as they look forward to the continental games at the top of the year.
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Vasil made a nostalgic recollection of the massive support that greeted the hosting of the concluded 2024 African Nations Championship and the upbeat football mood then, saying the same could be crucial in helping Kenya cope with the pressure of its first AFCON on home soil.
Crazy about football
“Kenya has been good to us. The people are crazy about football. We look forward to playing in Nairobi again. They are crazy about football, and it is unbelievable. The new Talanta is near completion, and we hope we will see a repeat of this.”
On the upcoming AFCON games, the gaffer admitted the games will pose serious demands on both the players and the technical bench.
“There is pressure and expectation on us, but with it, we have the support of the fans. When there are 60,000 people in the stands, it gives the team an extra boost to perform,” he added.
The technical bench led by Benni McCarthy will be tasked with leading the national team for the continental games as Kenya pits its wits against the best from the continent.
As part of their preparation, the technical bench recently sought to recruit several players currently plying their trade in England and other European leagues, who are eligible to represent the country through their Kenyan heritage.
A delegation from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) travelled to England in March 2026 to engage these eligible players and explore the possibility of them committing to the national team.
