Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has revealed some of the things that will be considered before Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania share responsibilities for AFCON 2027
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba says Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have not agreed yet how they will share matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The EAC Pamoja Bid of the three neigbouring nations secured the hosting rights of the 2027 tournament, eliciting excitement among their supporters who have already started issuing demands on which match they would like to stage.
At the centre of the tussle is the opening ceremony which will precede the first match of the tournament as well as the final and the closing ceremony with fans from each nation giving a reason why they are best placed to stage either.
07:04 - 10.10.2023
FOOTBALL Willam Ruto: Kenyan president proposes Kisumu as an additional 2027 AFCON venue
Currently on a four-day visit to Kisumu, a stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga and a hub for football talent in Kenya, Ruto emphasized the significance of the city in the nation's football landscape.
However, Namwamba says those discussions are premature at the moment as the three nations are yet to delve into the issue although there will be certain considerations before a decision is made.
“I believe since we were able to bid successfully together, we will equally succeed in agreeing who hosts the opening ceremony, which is equally big, where will be the headquarters,” Namwamba told West TV.
“All these issues will be discussed, we have a committee that takes care of this, which includes all three sports ministers. I believe we will agree without problems on this and even the issue of stadiums and other infrastructure like transport system, hospitals, communication, security all those are issues that will contribute to who takes what responsibility.”
16:00 - 13.10.2023
FOOTBALL AFCON 2027: Botswana cries foul over ‘suspicious’ bid selection rules that handed Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania hosting rights
Botswana has questioned the ‘suspicious’ selection criteria used by CAF to hand Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania the AFCON 2027 bid when an inspection report ‘ranked them better’
Namwamba then welcomed Kenyans to give their views on which ceremony or matches they would like the country to stage so that he understands their desires before the discussions begin.
“Kenyans also need to tell me what they would love to have, is it the opening ceremony or the final since both of them are big,” he added.
“I would like to hear their views so that when we start discussions with our colleagues, we say we would like to have this or that.”
20:00 - 02.10.2023
FOOTBALL Why Nick Mwendwa is preaching the stadia gospel ahead of AFCON 2027
Many fans have cast doubts about how ready Kenya will be in time for the 2027 AFCON considering the current sorry state of stadia in the country.
The joint bid triumphed over Botswana, Senegal, and Algeria and each country has started plans to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to avoid last-minute hiccups.
Kenya, who are set to begin renovations on Kasarani, Nyayo and Kipchoge Keino stadiums, has already announced plans to build a new 60,000-seater stadium.