Too many games ‘not good for football’ – African boss Patrice Motsepe

Last weekend, Motsepe toured facilities in Kenya ahead of confirming on Monday that the country would be one of three co-hosting the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament for African players based in their own domestic leagues.

Neighbours Tanzania and Uganda will also stage the finals as the three countries continue their preparations to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, when the tournament is set to take place in East Africa for the first time in over four decades.

Despite Kenya not having a stadium currently deemed suitable to stage matches, Motsepe says he has been reassured by President William Ruto that the nation, which lost hosting rights for the 1996 Nations Cup and 2018 CHAN because of poor preparations, will be ready.

“I trust President Ruto, I trust the president of Tanzania, I trust the president of Uganda,” said the 62-year-old. “When you look people in the eye, you can see the passion.”

“I’m going back [to Kenya] in December to make sure that the excellent guarantees that I’ve been given have been implemented.”

Kenya is refurbishing two new stadiums – the Moi International Sports Centre (60,000-capacity) and Nyayo Stadium (15,000) – ahead of the CHAN, while also building the Talanta Sports City Stadium (60,000) for the 2027 Afcon.

“A lot of work is already being done,” said Motsepe, who toured Kenya’s stadiums on Sunday. “I saw a lot of excellent renovations and upgrading taking place.”

After being closed for renovation in 2019, the Namboole Stadium has been hosting games since May in Uganda, which is building another Nations Cup stadium in Hoima, while Tanzania, which is also constructing new arenas, already has the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The countries will host the CHAN between 1-28 February.