Harambee Stars players are currently stranded in Pretoria, South Africa, following an accommodation and payment dispute that has disrupted their stay ahead of two international friendly matches against Lesotho.
The team arrived in South Africa for the fixtures but reportedly rejected their initial hotel booking, describing the facility as substandard and unfit for a national side.
According to exclusive photos shared by sports journalist Kevin Teya, the squad was first transported to an accommodation facility that some players allegedly dismissed as basic and unsuitable for international duty.
“Harambee Stars players have rejected the hotel booked for them in Pretoria, South Africa, describing the accommodation as substandard and unfit for a national team,” Teya wrote on X.
The Harambee Stars accommodation issue was finally resolved late last night, with the players granted access to rooms at a second hotel.
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) June 3, 2026
Attention now turns to preparations on the pitch, with the squad set to hold training today ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Lesotho.… pic.twitter.com/dDAE8gvpYq
The players are said to have refused to check in and requested alternative arrangements.
Football Kenya Federation officials are then reported to have secured another hotel, where the team was later moved.
However, a fresh dispute emerged over payment terms between FKF representatives and hotel management.
“Harambee Stars have switched hotels in South Africa after players rejected their initial accommodation, terming it substandard. At the new hotel, management is now demanding payment for tonight’s stay only… However, the Football Kenya Federation has reportedly refused to settle the bill, leaving the situation unresolved,” Teya added.
Reports indicate the players and officials had been stranded at the hotel lobby for over three hours, awaiting clearance to check in as the payment impasse continued.
Issuing an update hours later, Teya said the issue was resolved, with focus now shifting to their preparation.
"The Harambee Stars accommodation issue was finally resolved late last night, with the players granted access to rooms at a second hotel," he wrote.
Social media reactions have since followed the incident, with some users criticising FKF’s handling of logistics, while others questioned the circumstances surrounding the bookings.
Neither the Football Kenya Federation nor the Harambee Stars technical bench had issued an official statement at the time of publication.
The national team is in South Africa for two international friendlies against Lesotho as part of preparations for upcoming assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.