The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, visited Kenya on Friday, December 20, 2024, as part of his tour to assess preparations for the upcoming Total Energies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. Co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, this prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place in early 2024 and promises to showcase some of Africa’s finest football talent.
High-Level Discussions at State House
Dr. Motsepe’s visit included a significant meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. The two leaders discussed Kenya’s readiness for the tournament and the broader impact of football development in the country. The CAF President commended President Ruto for his government’s unwavering support for the sport, emphasizing its role in fostering unity and promoting youth development.
Key figures from CAF accompanied Dr. Motsepe, including CAF 4th Vice-President Seidou Mbombo Njoya, the Chairperson of the CHAN Organizing Committee, and CAF Secretary-General Veron Mosengo-Omba. They were joined by the newly elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President, Hussein Mohammed, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chaired by Nicholas Musonye, as they reviewed Kenya’s progress in preparing for the event.
Touring Iconic Venues
As part of his itinerary, Dr. Motsepe toured some of Kenya’s key stadiums, including the Kasarani Stadium and the Nyayo National Stadium—two venues set to host major fixtures during the championship. He also inspected several training facilities earmarked for use by participating teams. These visits aimed to ensure that the infrastructure meets the high standards required for hosting an international tournament of this magnitude.
A Collaborative Effort Across East Africa
Dr. Motsepe’s stop in Kenya follows a similar visit to Tanzania earlier in the week, where he reviewed preparations with Tanzanian officials. Later on Friday, he is expected to visit Uganda, completing his tour of the three co-host nations. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of regional unity in delivering a successful CHAN 2024.
Kenya’s Moment to Shine
For Kenya, CHAN 2024 represents an opportunity to showcase its organizational capabilities on the international stage. President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering a seamless tournament while leveraging the event to promote tourism, economic growth, and youth engagement.
Dr. Motsepe’s Vision for African Football
Speaking during his visit, Dr. Motsepe highlighted the transformative power of football across the continent. “Football brings people together, transcending boundaries and cultures. CHAN 2024 is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of African talent and unity,” he said.
Countdown to CHAN 2024
With the tournament just weeks away, Dr. Motsepe’s visit serves as a pivotal moment in finalizing preparations. The Local Organizing Committee, alongside CAF, is working tirelessly to ensure that the event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting legacy for the host nations.
As Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda gear up for CHAN 2024, all eyes will be on East Africa to deliver a world-class football spectacle that unites the continent and elevates the game to new heights.
Stay tuned for more updates on CHAN 2024 preparations and exclusive insights into the tournament.