Bright Stars face Harambee Stars in a friendly, aiming to gauge their footballing potential and future prospects..
South Sudan's national football team, the Bright Stars, are readying themselves for a crucial encounter against Kenya's Harambee Stars, in a highly anticipated international friendly match.
As both teams gear up for a pulsating clash at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Tuesday, it is not just about winning, but a litmus test for South Sudan's footballing future.
08:00 - 11.09.2023
Why Firat will stick to the tried and tested for future Harambee Stars assignments
The Harambee Stars head coach insists his process needs to find ‘stability’ ahead of the World Cup qualifiers which will commence in November.
This encounter comes on the heels of South Sudan's encounter with Mali, a game that saw them succumb to a 4-0 defeat in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Bamako.
However, the Bright Stars remain undeterred and are looking at this friendly as a crucial platform to measure their progression and potential.
07:00 - 11.09.2023
STARS ABROAD: Eight top foreign-born players that Kenyan can still turn to ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Harambee Stars are preparing for a grueling 2026 World Cup qualification campaign and there are a number of eye-catching talents born abroad that coach Engin Firat can entice.
"My expectation is to play against Kenya and see how our team performs. They are a strong team, ranked higher than us in the FIFA rankings, being around 100th. We want to gauge our potential for the future," Cousin remarked.
A significant point of solace for South Sudan is that they will be entering the game with no injuries on record.
07:00 - 08.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Six lessons learned from Harambee Stars’ historic win over Qatar
There were plenty of positives to pick from the win over Qatar following a disappointing outing at the Four Nations Tournament.
Moreover, two of their three pivotal players, who were conspicuously absent in the recent clash against Mali, are expected to return for the friendly against Kenya.
"In my opinion, we are continually improving and playing better with each game," Cousin opined, highlighting the trajectory he envisions for the squad.
17:04 - 11.09.2023
FOOTBALL Kimanzi blasts CECAFA for 'sleeping on the job' as regional football deteriorates
The former Harambee Stars coach feels the East African region would have had more representatives at next year's AFCON had CECAFA been actively involved.
Football fans keen on catching the action live can secure their seats at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani for a fee.
Tickets for the VIP dias are priced at Ksh500, while the general terraces are available for Ksh200.
13:30 - 11.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Ex-Harambee Stars defender Samuel Olwande bows out of football in iconic style
Samuel Olwande retires from professional football, marking the end of a remarkable career, celebrated with a poignant Instagram post.
Given the teams' reputations and the historical significance of such matches, the stadium is expected to witness a considerable turnout.
In a magnanimous move aimed at fostering football culture among the younger generation, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has declared that football academies can bring their budding talents to watch the game without incurring any charges.
20:30 - 10.09.2023
FOOTBALL South Sudan explain what they expect from friendly encounter against Harambee Stars
The South Sudanese feel the meeting with Kenya is just what they need having suffered a heavy loss to Mali last week
This initiative, aimed at inspiring young footballers, underscores the Federation's commitment to the sport's grassroots development.
For South Sudan, it's a chance to assess their strengths, rectify their weaknesses, and build towards a brighter footballing future.
13:06 - 10.09.2023
FOOTBALL Collins Sichenje revels in nostalgia at Harambee Stars camp ahead of South Sudan clash
Collins Sichenje reminisces about his Kakamega High School days with Eric Ouma at the Harambee Stars training camp, ahead of their match against South Sudan.
For Kenya, it's an opportunity to showcase their prowess and consolidate their position in African football.
With regional pride, potential scouting opportunities, and the sheer love of the game at stake, this friendly is sure to leave an indelible mark in the annals of East African football.