Aerial view of Kasarani Stadium which is under renovation - Photo Credit Murkomen Media.
Outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen believes Kenya will meet the deadline set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in their quest to co-host the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
On Thursday, Murkomen toured the facilities earmarked for the tournament ahead of the visit of CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Speaking after the tour, Murkomen said the progress made so far had reassured him that Kenya are on track to meet the deadlines set by CAF.
“We are racing against time to make Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium ready for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments,” said Murkomen.
“In my routine inspection of the two facilities today (Thursday), I was impressed by the pace and quality of the ongoing works. The progress reassures me that we are on track to meet the deadlines set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“The construction workers assured me that even beyond their call of duty, they have a personal desire to deliver the facilities in time for two tournaments for the pride of our nation.”
Meanwhile, Motsepe has already arrived in Kenya in readiness to tour the facilities and meet with Kenya President William Ruto. A statement from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) seen by Pan-Africa Football confirmed the arrival of the CAF President.
“This evening, FKF President Hussein Mohammed welcomed CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his team at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as they arrived in the country to assess infrastructure set for hosting the CHAN tournament,” read part of the statement.
“The government in collaboration with FKF are working round the clock to ensure all the necessary infrastructure set for hosting the tournament are completed in time and that our clubs and the National teams have quality facilities after the tournament.”
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will host the tournament from February 1-28th in 2025. It will also be the first time that the CHAN tournament is hosted by three countries. The CHAN tournament is exclusively for players who compete in their respective national League competitions.
The 2024 CHAN tournament will be the eighth edition, and the third time that it is hosted in the CECAFA Zone after Sudan in 2011 and Rwanda in 2016.
Comments