Motsepe confident of Kenya's readiness to host CHAN, admits challenges hampering progress
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 20.12.24. | 14:47
The 62-year-old took no questions from the media but stood his ground on the country's commitment to stage the tournament
CAF President Dr. Patrick Motsepe says he has all the confidence in the world that Kenya will be ready to host next year’s African Nations Championships (CHAN) scheduled for 1-28 February.
Motsepe, flanked by new FKF President Hussein Mohammed and outgoing Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen, made the words of reaffirmation immediately following his second visit to the country, which included him inspecting all stadia and training facilities earmarked to host the tournament.
His Friday tour saw him inspect the Moi International Sports Stadium - Kasarani, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Grounds, before concluding at the Nyayo National Stadium.
On Thursday 19 December, the CAF President toured Tanzania, the second host nation alongside neighboring Uganda, which he also visited on Friday.
"I was yesterday in Tanzania and I must say I am so pleased and impressed by their progress," Motsepe said. "My deepest gratitude on behalf of all African countries goes out to President William Ruto for the level of commitment and passion he has shown in ensuring Kenya hosts CHAN.
"Today is a manifestation and reconfirmation that the faith and trust we all have in him and the country is well placed."
Motsepe went on to praise the cooperation between CAF's team of experts and the newly installed CHAN Local Organising Committee for making progress, despite facing a number of challenges.
To that, he said: "Like in any huge undertaking, even in the World Cup, there will always be challenges. But even with a challenge, huge progress has been made, and am confident that next time I'll be here will be for CHAN."
Despite taking no questions from the press, Motsepe highly restricted his speech to solely focus on CHAN rather than AFCON 2027 - which Kenya will also host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
"With over 19 countries and media, I am confident that this will be the most successful CHAN in history," he said.
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The CAF President seemed satisfied by the condition of Ulinzi Sports Complex and Nyayo Stadium, and with Kasarani sealed off from the media entourage, CS Murkomen said that his team was "burning the midnight oil" to be ready on time.
The roof at the stadium, as per Mozzart Sport's spot-check on Friday, was yet to be complete, while the grass was patchy.
"Goods that we meant to deliver by sea will come by air to deliver the tournament on time," Murkomen said.
