Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has expressed strong confidence in Kenya’s readiness to host the rescheduled 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), despite lingering concerns about incomplete facilities.
Speaking on Friday after touring key venues in the country, Motsepe assured stakeholders of Kenya’s commitment and progress in preparing for the tournament set to kick off on February 1.
“Huge gratitude to President Ruto for the work he is doing,” Motsepe said. “I have total confidence and trust in the commitment he has made to me, Africa, and to CAF. Today is a manifestation of the trust and faith I have in him, which is well-placed. There is enormous progress.”
Motsepe lauded the collaborative efforts between CAF experts, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), and the Kenyan government. “I am proud of the cooperation and commitment the CAF team has received from the LOC and the Minister. I leave Kenya with even more confidence and excitement. Challenges exist, but the progress in addressing them is undeniable. I am confident the next time I return to Kenya, it will be for the CHAN tournament,” he added.
Motsepe’s visit, which began Thursday night, included high-level meetings with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, LOC Chairman Nicholas Musonye, and representatives from the government. On Friday, he toured several key venues, including the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, the Kasarani Annex, Nyayo Stadium, the Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Police Sacco Stadium.
While optimism is high, concerns remain over the readiness of certain venues. Nyayo Stadium requires significant work, including the installation of floodlights and completion of dressing rooms, while Kasarani is reportedly in better shape, with the playing surface expected to meet international standards in two weeks.
Outgoing Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assured that the government is fully committed to ensuring timely completion of all preparations. “We’ve agreed to expedite processes, including shipping essential materials by air to ensure timely delivery. The government will provide every necessary resource to guarantee a successful tournament,” Murkomen said during his final tour of duty in the ministry.
President William Ruto has also pledged the government’s full support. According to sources, the President assured CAF officials that Kenya would meet the final readiness deadline of January 20, ten days before the tournament’s opening match.
Motsepe expressed optimism that Kenya would deliver an exceptional tournament, stating, “We are going to have the most successful CHAN in the history of this competition.”
As the clock ticks toward the February kickoff, the spotlight remains on Kenya’s ability to complete the remaining work and uphold its pledge to host Africa’s premier football talent.
