Sports CS Amina Mohamed threw a luncheon for Kenya's national football team Harambee Stars in Egypt on Tuesday.
She praised the team for putting up a spirited fight at the Africa Cup of Nations matches (AFCON).
"You have made us so very honoured to be Kenyans, as you played the champions of Africa and made a name for yourselves," she spoke.
She also conveyed a congratulatory message from President Uhuru Kenyatta for the team's performance at AFCON.
She singled out forward Michael Olunga who scored two goals against Tanzania and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi who stopped more goals than Kenya conceded.
"Every child is now singing of Matasi, every striker wants to be like Olunga. Collectively, you have shown yourselves the best squad to ever represent the county," Amina noted.
She told the stars that they had proved football to be a worthy investment for the government.
The CS promised that the team would get the prize money for beating Tanzania as per the CAF regulations.
"To the coach, I wish to thank you for taking up a challenging assignment and executing it with the discipline and diligence it requires.
"Once back in the country, we can sit together as football stakeholders to develop a broader roadmap for football management in Kenya," the CS told the team.
She praised members of the fourth estate for covering the games and urged journalists to continue supporting the team by not publishing demoralising stories about Harambee Stars.
"In fact, it should be understood that we win every time we participate," she encouraged the team.
Watch CS Amina hosting Harambee Stars players for a luncheon in Cairo, Egypt.
