The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials have embarked on their second round of inspections to evaluate the readiness of stadiums and related infrastructure in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled for February 2025.
The inspection tour began in Uganda on November 21, 2024, and will proceed to Tanzania on November 24, before concluding in Kenya from November 27 to November 30, 2024.
Stadiums Proposed for CHAN 2024
In Kenya, the proposed venues include the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium. These stadiums are undergoing significant upgrades to meet the world-class standards required by CAF for hosting continental competitions.
Key Inspection Areas
CAF’s inspection team is not only focusing on the stadiums but also on critical supporting facilities to ensure a seamless tournament experience. The inspection encompasses:
- Stadium infrastructure (main venues and training grounds).
- Hotels for teams, officials, and visitors.
- Airports and transport logistics to ensure accessibility.
- Medical facilities to cater to players and officials.
- Broadcast and media facilities to support global coverage.
CAF has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the tournament takes place in top-tier facilities, in line with standards upheld in recent CAF competitions.
Previous Inspection Tour
This second visit follows the first inspection, which occurred on September 17, 2024, and included the participation of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe. During the initial tour, the CAF delegation visited Uganda’s State House and presented a detailed progress report to Hon. Janet Museveni, Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sport, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
CAF Inspection Team
The delegation represents a wide range of CAF departments, including:
- Marketing
- Broadcast and Media
- Competitions
- Safety and Security
- Medical
- Protocol
Challenges and Expectations
While CAF has praised the progress made so far, some concerns remain, particularly regarding the ongoing construction at Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani, both of which were part of Kenya’s joint bid with Tanzania and Uganda. Construction timelines are being closely monitored to ensure readiness by February 2025.
Significance of CHAN 2024
The 2024 CHAN will mark the first time the tournament is hosted jointly by three nations, a milestone for East African football. The event promises to spotlight the region’s capabilities in hosting major continental competitions, paving the way for future bids for CAF and FIFA tournaments.
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