President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Dr Motsepe belives Kenya is on the right track regarding the co-hosting project of the 2025 CHAN which starts in early February and AFCON 2027.
Dr Motsepe said in Nairobi Monday that he is impressed with the spirit and commitment of the Government as the country races ahead with the deadlines set towards the gigantic championships.
But the CAF supremo pointed out that a lot needs to be done on the side Kenyan regarding the multibillion Pamaja Bid where the three Aftican nations Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will play host to the two events.
The CAF President arrived in Kenya on Sunday afternoon in preparation for Monday’s CAF Executive Committee meeting in Nairobi.
His visit was part of a comprehensive review of Kenya’s readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
Motsepe’s itinerary included a tour of the under-construction Talanta Stadium at Jamhuri Sports Ground in Nairobi. The stadium, which will have a seating capacity of 60,000, is set to be a key venue for AFCON 2027.
The facility, currently under construction, is designed with a modern, covered structure and impressive lighting, ensuring an enhanced experience for evening matches. Notably, the Talanta Sports City Stadium will be dedicated solely to football, without a running track. However, a secondary outdoor pitch with a running track will be available.
In addition to Talanta Stadium, Motsepe visited tje ivonic Moi International Sports Complex, commonly known as Kasarani. This venue is undergoing extensive renovations to meet CAF’s rigorous standards. The updates at Kasarani are crucial not only for hosting major tournaments but also for supporting the long-term growth of football in the region. CAF’s standards require a green, level pitch with clear, symmetric markings to ensure optimal conditions for international games.
Motsepe was accompanied on his tour by Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen, Sports Kenya Director Pius Metto, and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa. He expressed confidence in the progress of the stadium construction and committed to returning in December for a follow-up assessment.
Additionally, Motsepe announced plans to visit Uganda and Tanzania, which will also host parts of the tournament. “I will personally pay a visit in December. I will come once more to assess the progress. I’m confident the process will be ongoing well,” Motsepe remarked.
Kenyan Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen earlier highlighted that some of the stadiums will be delivered to CAF by the end of November in preparation for the CHAN (African Nations Championship) games, scheduled from February 1 to February 28, 2025.
Murkomen reiterated .“I can assure you that we will be ready as Kenya and East Africa. We will support CAF to ensure that these tournaments are successful,” Murkomen said. He noted that construction and renovation works are progressing as planned, demonstrating a strong commitment to delivering top-quality facilities.
As Kenya advances its preparations, the focus remains on ensuring that the facilities are fully ready to offer an exceptional experience for players and fans. This reflects the region’s dedication to the growth and success of African football.
