Kenya’s Harambee Stars are likely to replace the Flames at the 2024 Cosafa Cup slated for June 26 to July 7 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
This comes after the Flames pulled out of this year’s competition at the eleventh hour due to the tragic death of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others in a plane crash on June 10.
Several media outlets reported in Kenya that the Harambee Stars have been invited as a guest nation.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Head of Communications Kenn Okaka confirmed that they received an invitation from the organisers of the tournament.
“We have accepted the invitation from Cosafa to participate as a guest team,” Okaka said.
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However, Cosafa is yet to announce the replacement for the Flames for the tournament. Apart from Kenya, Senegal were earmarked to participate in this year’s competition.
Kenya used Bingu National Stadium as their home ground for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Burundi (1-1) and Ivory Coast (0-0).
The draw for the 2024 Cosafa Cup was conducted last week in South Africa.
Harambee Stars will likely be in Group B alongside holders Zambia, Zimbabwe and Comoros.
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Fam released a statement on Friday last week that the decision to pull out of Cosafa was a way of showing respect to the souls of those who lost their lives in a plane crash.
“Considering the sorrowful atmosphere as the result of the tragic passing of the State Vice President, Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others and the subsequent 21-day mourning period declared by government, Fam highly considered it insensitive to proceed with our preparations and subsequent participation in the championship,” the statement reads.
Group A comprises hosts South Africa, Mozambique, eSwatini and Botswana whereas Group B has three teams; holders Zambia, Comoros and Zimbabwe.
One team yet to be confirmed will complete the group.
Group C comprises Angola, Namibia, Lesotho and Seychelles.
