The world over national football team names capture the essence of the nation and pride in those donning the colors of their countries and Kenya is no exception. The  ‘Lions of Teranga’, ‘Carthage Eagles’, ‘The Three Lions’, ‘La Furia Roja’ (The Red Fury), are just but a few examples where the name of the national team not only instills confidence in the players but sends a psychological message to opponents even before an encounter, and to rally the fans behind the team - with pride, belief and resilience in the face of a loss.  

Our "Harambee Stars" is supposed to mean "Stars that Work Together". A name that was coined in 1960 to reflect the time back then. I submit that we need a name that captures our ‘never say never spirit’ and one that will last the test of time. 

What if we used a more outstanding name that portrays our stance in the face of adversity? We want to be sending our football team out there to FIGHT, not to beg for help. So how about ‘Tsavo Simbas’, ‘Mara Lions’, ‘Amboseli Cheetahs’, ‘Shujaa Morans’ etc.

Businesses, corporations NGO etc rebrand over time to reflect their future outlook, or to align to new realities on the ground. Our national football team can and should also rebrand as the first step in the long journey ahead in growing our football, from grassroots to national levels.

This petition calls on the CS Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs to have a name change for the national football team. A name that will eschew pride and capture our collective spirit as Kenyans.