CHAN is not going anywhere, CAF assures Kenya

With assurance from the Confederation of African Football (Caf) that the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) will be staged in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the government is doing everything possible to ensure the facilities are ready before next year’s (February 1-28) tournament.

While Tanzania and Uganda appear to be set with both Namboole and Benjamin Mkapa stadiums in good shape for the tournament involving local-based players, Kenya is racing against time to complete renovations at Kasarani and Nyayo stadium. The two biggest facilities in the country have been under renovation for several months now.

But this is not the first Kenya has found itself into such a situation of unpreparedness. In 1996, the country lost the hosting rights of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) to South Africa before being stripped of the hosting rights of the 2018 Chan due to lack of standardised facilities as the competition went to Morocco.

However, to avoid a repeat of those embarrassment that not only denied Kenya a chance to showcase their best talent to the world, but also boost the economy, Sports Cabinet Kipchumba Murkomen has formed a National Steering Committee to oversee preparations for Chan and 2027 Afcon. All efforts have been put in place to ensure the facilities are first ready for Chan before switching focus to Afcon.

This is the first time ever in their history that the three East African nations are expected to co-host the continental showpiece. Chan will act as a dry run for the 2027 Afcon that will provide Caf with unforgettable fans’ experience with at least nine home games with stadiums filled to capacity due to the direct qualification of Kenya, Uganda and Uganda. The region will have three teams in the Afcon tournament for the second since the 2019 competition in Egypt.

Infrastructure challenges

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) which was officially unveiled at Talanta Plaza yesterday, will be chaired by former Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye with newly elected FKF president Hussein Mohammed serving as his deputy. Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, journalist Elias Makori, Kenya Footballers Welfare Association vice president and former Harambee Starlets defender Terry Ouko are some of the notable sports persons in the committee. The Chan and Afcon secretariat to be housed at Talanta Plaza will be headed by Mike Rabar.

With a deadline of December 31, 2024, the Musonye-led committee must work around the clock to ensure the stadiums meet international standards. Caf officials are expected to return to Nairobi on January 5th, 2025 to inspect the progress.

While dismissing media reports that the country has lost the hosting rights to Rwanda, Murkomen feels Kenyans work well under pressure. But he admitted that Kasarani, which is still under renovation, is behind schedule.

“We have put ourselves under immense pressure. Kasarani was built from 1983 to 1987, and it became ready just a few months before the All African Games. History teaches us that we have excelled under pressure. This debate about readiness is healthy, but we must acknowledge that we are working tirelessly to deliver,” Murkomen said.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to deliver quality infrastructure on time for Chan and Afcon. I know people are concerned, and I share their concerns. We have had meetings with contractors and are relying on their commitment to meet the deadlines.”

Caf host country manager Kabelo Bosilong, who graced the unveiling ceremony, assured the country of the continental body’s support as the region gears towards staging a historic tournament.

“We have been hearing a lot on social media for the past few days about where this tournament might end up. But I want to assure everyone that it’s Caf’s commitment to make sure that this tournament will take place in the countries that were intended to take place. Therefore, we are here to work hard and make sure that happens,” Bosilong.

Economic boost

With FKF elections now behind them, Murkomen said that they have already learnt lessons from their past failures.

“We are committed to breaking this cycle. The government, together with FKF and other stakeholders, is working diligently to meet the targets set by Caf. This time, we will not let Kenyans down,” he vowed.

“When we succeed, it will be a testament to our resilience and determination. Chan and Afcon are more than tournaments; they are a chance to change the trajectory of football in our country and region.”

In an interview with Standard Sports moments after the region was awarded the hosting rights in September 2023, Nicholas Musonye, who is now the LOC chairperson, said the tournament will improve the development of the game in the region.

“This is a good thing for the development of football and sports in general in East Africa. Once teams enjoy playing on modern facilities their performance will improve. Egyptian teams are doing well because of good infrastructure,” said Musonye.

“Economically, our image and tourism will grow. The visitors will spend and the economy will improve. It will have a long term impact.”