Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has urged fans to turn out in huge numbers for the team's international friendly against South Sudan on Tuesday evening.

The coach, who guided the Stars to a 1-2 friendly win over hosts Qatar last week, said the enthusiastic Kenyans in Doha were morale-boosting for the squad, with approximately 11,000 people filling the Aljanoub Stadium.

Fans at home have been less passionate in some of the matches in which the coach has led the Stars, and they now want to see a display of patriotism.

"I hope they will do the same. If they like the national team and are patriots, they should support it. I lost a little bit of hope about it here. But they gave me some hope in the match against Qatar, and I have to thank the people there.


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"They gave us our hope back. They didn't care we were winning or losing, it was all about what we were doing in the field and there was full heart and everything. This means patriotism; this means football fans. We don't need people in the stadium or anywhere, only talking on social media. We need people who believe in their country. This is what we believe is important," said the coach during an open media session on Monday evening.

At the same time, President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to support the squad in the Sudan encounter following the historic success in Qatar.

"Congratulations, Harambee Stars, for winning last week against the Qatar national team. I am thrilled many Kenyans came to Qatar to cheer up our team. As you know, today (Tuesday) at 4:00 pm, Harambee Stars will compete with South Sudan.

"I want to ask all Kenyans to show up at 4:00 pm to cheer on our champions - the Harambee Stars," said the President in a widely circulated video Tuesday morning.


Firat was appointed head coach of Harambee Stars for the first time in September 2021. His reign was cut short by defeats to Rwanda and Mali and a draw to Uganda.

His second term has seen better success, with Harambee stars defeating Qatar and Pakistan while losing to Iran and Mauritius.

The Turkish international will oversee the Harambee Stars' effort to qualify for the AFCON in 2026.