The Kenyan government is optimistic that local football teams will no longer need to play their home matches abroad, as Nyayo Stadium is close to securing approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Currently, Kenya lacks a stadium that meets international standards, forcing teams like Harambee Stars to host their home matches in countries such as Malawi.
The Current Situation
Last month, the Harambee Stars had to play their home matches in Malawi due to the unavailability of a CAF-approved stadium in Kenya. This situation is not ideal for the teams or their supporters, and the government is keen on rectifying this issue promptly.
CAF recently released a list of venues approved for upcoming inter-club competitions, and none of Kenya’s stadiums made the cut. This means that Gor Mahia, who are set to compete in the CAF Champions League, and Kenya Police, the Confederation Cup representatives, would need to find alternative venues for their home matches.
The Impact on Kenyan Clubs
The failure to meet CAF requirements is a significant setback for Gor Mahia and Kenya Police. These teams are now faced with the challenge of finding suitable venues outside Kenya for their home matches, which can be logistically challenging and financially burdensome.
Positive News from CAF Inspectors
Despite the initial setback, there is a silver lining. Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum expressed optimism after recent discussions with CAF inspectors. The inspectors, who were in Kenya last week, assured that Nyayo Stadium would likely be granted approval within two weeks if the ongoing renovation works continue at the current pace.
“We discussed that at length and when we visited this place, one of the promises they told us is that if we moved with the speed that we are already taking, approval is almost guaranteed,” Tum told the media on Monday. “We are very positive that the approval will be gotten and we will have the qualifiers played in Nyayo.”
Renovation Requirements
The CAF inspectors identified specific areas that need improvement for Nyayo Stadium to meet international standards. These include upgrading the changing rooms, enhancing the media center from level two to level three, and other facility improvements.
“The changing rooms are some of the key things they wanted us to do, the media center changing from level two to level three, a raft of things they demanded, and we are quite good in terms of preparations,” Tum added. “When we looked at this field with the team that came, they said it is one of the best, the grass and the way it has been maintained is quite good.”
Upcoming Matches and Deadlines
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the upcoming CAF inter-club competitions, which are scheduled to take place between August 16 and 23. Additionally, Harambee Stars are set to take on Zimbabwe on September 2 in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This timeline gives Kenya just over a month to meet the necessary standards and secure approval.
Alternative Venues
If Nyayo Stadium does not receive approval in time, Gor Mahia and Kenya Police will need to consider alternative venues for their home matches. Potential options include neighboring countries with CAF-approved stadiums, but this would require additional planning and resources.
Government’s Commitment
The Kenyan government has shown a strong commitment to improving sports infrastructure in the country. The renovations at Nyayo Stadium are part of a broader effort to ensure that Kenyan teams can host international matches at home, boosting local support and reducing logistical challenges.
Conclusion
The near-approval of Nyayo Stadium by CAF is a beacon of hope for Kenyan football teams and fans. With continued efforts and swift completion of the required renovations, Kenya could soon see its teams playing home matches on home soil. This development is not only crucial for the teams’ performance but also for the morale of the local football community.
The government and sports authorities are working diligently to meet CAF’s standards and secure the necessary approvals. If successful, this will mark a significant milestone for Kenyan football, allowing teams to compete in familiar environments and garnering the enthusiastic support of local fans. As the countdown to the CAF inter-club competitions and the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers begins, all eyes will be on Nyayo Stadium and the progress of its upgrades.
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