NAIROBI, Kenya, May 17 – Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum has announced that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will send a team to Nairobi within the next two weeks to re-evaluate Nyayo Stadium for hosting the Harambee Stars’ World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast. This follow-up inspection comes after a previous assessment deemed the stadium unfit, necessitating an urgent review to keep the qualifiers on Kenyan soil.
Urgent Need for an Approved Stadium
Kenya was initially planning to play the crucial matches in Malawi due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium. Nyayo Stadium has been closed for renovations, while Kasarani Stadium has been shut since December last year. This scenario has raised significant concerns among fans and officials about the logistical and financial challenges of hosting matches abroad.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Sports, PS Tum expressed optimism about the upcoming inspection. “CAF inspection team has confirmed that they will be in the country in one or two weeks to inspect Nyayo Stadium again,” Tum informed the Committee. “The fact that the CAF team has agreed to come again for an inspection exercise after a request by CS gives the country and football fans hope of watching Harambee Stars start their World Cup qualifier campaign on home soil.”
Parliamentary Committee’s Concerns
Chairman Dan Wanyama of the National Assembly Committee on Sports highlighted the committee’s worries about the potential relocation of the World Cup qualifier matches to Malawi. He emphasized that hosting the qualifiers outside Kenya would impact the team’s performance and deprive local fans of the chance to support their national team in person.
Nyayo Stadium has been closed since the Mashemeji Derby three weeks ago, causing frustration among the football community and athletes. The closure has also affected the national trials for the African Athletics Championships, which have been moved to the Ulinzi Sports Complex. However, this facility is not recognized by World Athletics, potentially hindering athletes’ chances of achieving qualifying times for the Olympic Games.
Implications for Kenyan Sports
Hosting the World Cup qualifiers in Kenya is critical for multiple reasons. According to Tum, “The implications of not hosting qualifier matches at home are bad for the country and the national team. It is because of this reason that the CS has put all mechanisms in place to ensure that the country complies with all the requirements.”
Significant renovations have been undertaken at Nyayo Stadium since its closure, aiming to meet CAF standards and ensure the venue is fit for international fixtures. Tum’s optimism is shared by many, as the stadium’s approval would mean Kenya could host Burundi on June 8 and African champions Ivory Coast on June 11 for match days three and four of the World Cup qualifiers.
Contingency Plans and Alternatives
While efforts are focused on getting Nyayo Stadium ready, the Ministry and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) are also considering alternative venues. Tum confirmed that Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega has been ruled out as a potential host for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which might be held next year. Therefore, Nyayo Stadium remains the primary fallback option.
The Road Ahead
With the clock ticking, the urgency to get Nyayo Stadium approved cannot be overstated. Hosting the qualifiers at home not only boosts the morale of the Harambee Stars but also ensures that the team has the best possible support from local fans. Additionally, it spares the logistical challenges and costs associated with playing abroad.
The upcoming CAF inspection will be a decisive moment for Kenyan football. Successful approval would allow the Harambee Stars to play in front of their home crowd, providing a significant advantage in their World Cup qualifying campaign. It also reflects the concerted efforts by the Ministry of Sports and FKF to comply with international standards and enhance the country’s sporting infrastructure.
Conclusion
The impending CAF re-assessment of Nyayo Stadium is a critical juncture for Kenya’s football ambitions. With extensive renovations underway and a collective push from sports authorities, there is cautious optimism that the stadium will pass the inspection. Ensuring that Harambee Stars can play their World Cup qualifiers at home is not just about meeting technical requirements; it’s about national pride and giving the team the best possible chance to succeed on the global stage.
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