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Nyayo Stadium has been approved for use by Kenya Police and Gor Mahia for their preliminary Champions League and Confederation Cup matches, but will not be used for Harambee Stars' AFCON qualifiers this September.
Nyayo Stadium will be available for use by Gor Mahia and Kenya Police for their preliminary CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup assignments, but not for Harambee Stars when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers commence in September.
This is according to FKF President Nick Mwendwa, who set the record straight on the issue after months of speculation about the status of the 30,000 capacity arena.
A fortnight ago, a report by CAF rendered Nyayo not up to the standard required to host the competitions, but Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum insisted that the stadium would meet the requirements to host the competition within “two weeks” back in mid-July.
Mwendwa had also expressed confidence that Nyayo would pass the requirements to host the matches for Harambee Stars last June, and Pulse Sports subsequently reported the matter.
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06:17 - 19.07.2024
EXPLAINED: What Nyayo Stadium needs to be ready for Gor Mahia & Harambee Stars’ CAF assignments
Pulse Sports takes you through what Nyayo Stadium must have to get clearance from CAF for international matches.
Now, Mwendwa has given a fresh update on the status of the stadia speaking to the media at the Safari Park Hotel during the FKF awards gala on Friday.
“The Preliminary qualification for the CAF Confederation and CAF Champions League has been approved and will be played at Nyayo,” Mwendwa confirmed.
Nyayo will be shut down immediately after the qualifiers in order to have it commence prerparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) which is supposed to be hosted at the arena. This unfortunately means that Harambee Stars will not host their AFCON qualifiers there.
“After that, we are going to clear Nyayo’s glass. CAF have said that grass is not up to standard. After those two matches, the grass will be removed.
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16:30 - 17.07.2024
Government provides positive update over progress of Kasarani and Talanta stadia ahead of AFCON 2027
The Government has provided a positive update over the progression of both the Kasarani and Talanta Sports City stadia ahead of AFCON 2027.
“The bad news is, there is no chance for Harambee Stars to play there. They want us to remove the grass for it to grow back again in four months in order to be ready for CHAN in February, March or April. The inspection committee will be back here.”
“Unfortunately, we will play outside the country, but the good thing is, we will solve this situation completely. “
Mwendwa has revealed the three things the stadium needs in order to be ready to host future international matches. “One, is the grass, two is the lighting. It is at 1000 lux now but will be upgraded to 2000 lux capability.
"The third thing is the turnstiles. While the grass will be worked on, that section will also be improved. The ministry has assured us and we are confident they will do it.”
Last time out, Kenya had to play its World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast in Malawi’s Bingu Stadium, but the facility did not meet CAF requirements to host preliminary matches recently, and it also likely means it will not be used for qualifiers.
Mwendwa has however assured fans that Kenyans will be in a position to support their team in a ground more convenient for them this time round, which could be implying that Stars will play their first home qualifier against Zimbabwe in Tanzania or Uganda.
“We will have a stadium available for use. This time, we want Kenyans to support their side playing against Zimbabwe closer to home. That is the information.”
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09:30 - 24.07.2024
Analysis : Coach Leo Neiva's 'samba-style' vision for Gor Mahia as evidenced in CECAFA outing
Gor Mahia did not have a good campaign at the CECAFA Kagame Cup under new coach Leo Neiva, but is there light at the end of the tunnel with the coach looking to play Brazilian-esque 'samba style' football?
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