The Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars, will play two international friendly matches against Lesotho during the upcoming international window in June as part of preparations for future continental competitions.
According to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the two matches are scheduled to take place on June 4 and June 7, 2025, in Pretoria, South Africa. The fixtures come after Kenya’s initially planned friendly matches against Kyrgyzstan and Palestine failed to materialize.
The friendlies will provide Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy and his technical bench with an opportunity to assess the team’s progress and test different tactical approaches ahead of upcoming assignments. The matches are also expected to help players build match fitness and strengthen team cohesion.
Kenya, who will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania, have already secured a place in the tournament by virtue of being one of the host nations. However, the national team continues to seek competitive matches to ensure the squad is adequately prepared for Africa’s biggest football competition.
The decision to face Lesotho offers Kenya valuable international exposure during the FIFA window, a period set aside for national teams to engage in friendly and competitive matches. The games will allow the technical bench to evaluate both experienced players and emerging talent as preparations for future tournaments continue.
South Africa was selected as the venue for the matches due to logistical considerations and the availability of suitable training and match facilities. Pretoria has hosted numerous international football fixtures and provides an environment conducive to competitive preparations.
Lesotho, commonly known as Likuena, are also expected to use the friendlies to prepare for their upcoming international engagements. Encounters between the two East and Southern African nations have historically been competitive, making the fixtures important tests for both sides.
The upcoming matches will be closely watched by Kenyan football supporters, who are eager to see the direction of the national team under Benni McCarthy. Since taking charge of Harambee Stars, the South African coach has been tasked with building a competitive squad capable of challenging some of the continent’s top football nations.
Football analysts believe the two friendly matches will provide a crucial platform for assessing Kenya’s readiness ahead of future international competitions. With less than two years remaining before the 2027 AFCON tournament, every international fixture is expected to play a significant role in shaping the team’s preparations.
The Football Kenya Federation is expected to announce the final squad for the wo matches in the coming days as preparations for the South Africa camp gather momentum.
