By Francis Onyach - Reporter
South Africa, 2 June 2026 - Harambee Stars' preparations for their upcoming international friendlies against Lesotho have reportedly been overshadowed by controversy after players allegedly rejected the hotel accommodation arranged for them in Pretoria, South Africa, describing the facility as below the standards expected for a senior national team.
The Kenyan national team arrived in South Africa this week ahead of a two-match friendly series against Lesotho scheduled to take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria. The matches form an important part of head coach Benni McCarthy's preparations as Kenya continues building towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and upcoming continental assignments.
According to reports circulating within Kenyan football circles and local sports platforms, several players were dissatisfied with the accommodation provided upon arrival and raised concerns with team officials. Sources claim the players felt the hotel did not meet the standards expected for a national team representing Kenya at an international level.
The alleged concerns reportedly centered on the quality of the rooms, training-related facilities, and overall suitability of the accommodation for elite athletes preparing for competitive international matches. While the full details of the complaints have not been officially disclosed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the situation has sparked debate among supporters and football stakeholders back home.
The timing of the controversy is particularly unfortunate given the importance of the current international window. Harambee Stars had originally been scheduled to play friendlies against Kyrgyzstan and Palestine, but those fixtures were cancelled due to logistical challenges. FKF subsequently arranged a two-legged series against Lesotho, with both matches set to be played in Pretoria.
The South Africa camp is viewed as a crucial opportunity for Benni McCarthy to assess both local and foreign-based players as he continues shaping his squad for future assignments. The coach recently emphasized that he wants to build a stronger and more competitive national team, insisting that experimentation would be reduced as Kenya prepares for tougher continental challenges ahead.
So far, neither FKF nor the Harambee Stars technical bench has issued a formal public statement confirming or denying the reported accommodation dispute. However, the reports have generated widespread discussion among Kenyan football fans, many of whom believe national team players should be provided with facilities that reflect the stature and ambitions of the country.
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The incident also revives long-standing concerns regarding player welfare and logistical planning within Kenyan football. Over the years, Harambee Stars camps have occasionally faced criticism over travel arrangements, accommodation standards, and administrative issues, although FKF has repeatedly pledged to improve conditions for national teams.
Despite the off-field distraction, attention will now shift back to matters on the pitch. Kenya are scheduled to face Lesotho twice during the June FIFA international window, with both matches serving as valuable preparation opportunities for McCarthy and his squad as they continue their journey toward AFCON 2027.
Whether the accommodation issue is resolved quickly or develops into a larger dispute, the hope among supporters is that the focus can return to football and that Harambee Stars can make the most of a camp designed to strengthen the team ahead of crucial future assignments.
Harambee Stars Camp Hit by Accommodation Row Ahead of Lesotho Friendlies in South Africa
Harambee Stars' friendlies against Lesotho in South Africa form an important part of head coach Benni McCarthy's preparations as Kenya continues building towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.