Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania plan CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup as CHAN warm-up

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the co-hosts of the 2024 CHAN, are planning to host the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in May or June as a test run for the continental championship, which is scheduled for August.

The tournament, initially planned for February, was postponed following recommendations from CAF's technical and infrastructure experts, who have been monitoring the preparations in the three host countries.

CAF experts emphasized the need for additional time to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities meet the required standards for the African Nations Championship. The tournament’s new dates were announced, with the competition now set to start on August 2 and end on August 30.

The three East African nations are working hard to prepare the necessary amenities, including stadiums, roads, and training grounds, which were the primary reasons for the initial postponement. Efforts are being made to ensure that both the facilities and the teams are ready for the tournament.

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In addition to the CHAN preparations, the three countries are considering hosting the long-neglected CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup before the continental event. Kenya’s Local Organizing Committee head, Nicholas Musonye, shared that the idea was proposed during the CECAFA Congress in Juba, and the secretariat has been tasked with assessing the feasibility of hosting the tournament, which has not been held for several years.

"During the CECAFA Congress in Juba last week, the three Local Organizing Committees (for the 2024 CHAN) met on the sidelines and suggested that we plan to host the CECAFA Challenge Cup in May or June," Musonye said in an interview with Nation Sport.

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CECAFA General Secretary Auka Gecheo confirmed this proposal and added that the secretariat had been given two weeks to look into the hosting logistics.

"It was a proposal put on the table, but no resolution was made. It was agreed that CECAFA's Secretariat would examine the modalities and provide feedback in two weeks," said Gecheo.

If the tournament is held, Kenya will aim to win the title they last claimed in 2017 when the tournament was hosted in Kenya.

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