- The CAF Secretary General reaffirms that Kenya’s preparedness to host CHAN 2024 will also influence their bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
- However, he is confident that Kenya will deliver and successfully co-host CHAN alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
- Mosengo-Omba, who has been in the country since Monday, May 26, has been inspecting stadiums and training facilities designated for CHAN 2024, which is scheduled to kick off on August 2.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Secretary General, Veron Mosengo-Omba, has issued a stern warning to Kenya regarding its preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
He emphasized that failure to meet the required standards and deadlines could jeopardize the country’s credibility in hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mosengo-Omba, who has been in the country since Monday, May 26 has been inspecting stadiums and training facilities designated for CHAN 2024, scheduled to kick off on August 2nd.
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Sports offices in Nairobi on Tuesday, he cautioned that further delays or subpar facilities could affect not only the success of CHAN but also Kenya’s role as a co-host for AFCON 2027, alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
This will be the top, and everyone will be looking forward to AFCON 2027. They are ready to come here, but if we do not properly deliver CHAN, then people will ask, ‘Why am I wasting my time with AFCON?’” he stated.
He added, “When the CAF President came in December, he set the standards for the competition. Even in AFCON Cote d’Ivoire, people are talking about the quality, the refereeing, the pitches, the organization, which are all held to very high standards.
If someone forgets to fix the water in the toilet, for me, that’s not a minor issue. I cannot allow the competition to start under such conditions. You can ruin the organization of a tournament in just one month, so these small issues are not acceptable.”
Veron maintains Kenya’s CHAN 2024 hosting rights despite setbacks
Despite the concerns, Mosengo-Omba acknowledged noticeable improvements since his last visit in December 2024 and expressed cautious optimism about Kenya’s readiness.
I came here in December with the CAF President, and I told you there shouldn’t be inconsistent grass conditions across the pitches. Today, you could even play golf here that shows the tremendous progress made since December. I can see that certain key aspects have been completed, and now we are approaching the point where the match officials can start the game,” he added.
ALSO READ: Kenya prepared to host CHAN: Sports CS Salim Mvurya dismisses unreadiness reports
Accompanied by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Football Kenya Federation President Mohammed Hussein, and Local CHAN Organizing Committee Chairman Nicholas Musonye, Mosengo-Omba inspected several venues including Ulinzi Sports Complex, Kirigiti Stadium, and the Kenya Police Sacco Grounds, which are earmarked for training purposes.
They also visited the Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the two main venues designated for CHAN matches.
The tournament, which has been postponed twice, is reserved exclusively for players competing in their national domestic leagues. Kenya will co-host the continental showcase with regional partners Uganda and Tanzania.