CHAN 2024: Kenya Remains Optimistic Despite Deadline Concerns

CHAN 2024: Kenya Remains Optimistic Despite Deadline Concerns

Sampson Adedeji

Despite growing concerns over looming deadlines, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for CHAN 2024 remains confident that Kenya will successfully host the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

With less than two months to go, Kenya is under mounting pressure to complete key infrastructure upgrades ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to kick off on August 2.

Delays in stadium renovations have prompted warnings from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), particularly regarding the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, which are yet to be approved.

Currently, only the Ulinzi Complex has met CAF standards among the five designated training facilities.

These setbacks have sparked fears that Kenya may fall short of CAF’s requirements, jeopardizing its co-hosting role alongside Uganda and Tanzania. However, the LOC is projecting confidence.

"We have been working very closely with the government to deliver a successful CHAN and we remain very confident that everything will fall in place,” said LOC CEO Myke Rabar in an interview with Telecomasia.

 “With two months to go, we are working round the clock on all deliverables. The good thing is that CAF officials have been here with us and we are constantly updating them on everything—they are giving us huge support.”

CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba led a delegation to Kenya last week to assess the progress of various venues.

While there was some cautious optimism, CAF emphasized the need to maintain momentum, with all facilities expected to be ready by July. 

The CAF delegation reiterated the critical importance of meeting all infrastructure standards ahead of the tournament's kickoff.