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Pulse Sports takes you through what Nyayo Stadium must have to get clearance from CAF for international matches.
The conditions that Nyayo Stadium need in order to be able to host the upcoming continental and international assignments have now been revealed, giving football fans hope of watching their teams in action on home soil.
Last Saturday, a list released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deemed no stadia in Kenya good enough to host international matches, which was a blow to Gor Mahia, Kenya Police and Harambee Stars, with all three teams set to play in crucial continental matches within the next two months.
However, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum revealed that the stadium would be deemed good enough to host those matches “within the next two weeks”, which will allow fans to witness their teams playing within the country after all.
“The changing rooms are one place that CAF wanted us to make changes to,” Tum told the media last Monday.
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16:00 - 16.07.2024
UPDATE: Ulinzi Stadium to host CHAN 2024 following visit by CAF, says Sports PS Peter Tum
Both Nyayo Stadium and the Ulinzi Sports Complex will be used as the venues for the 2024 CHAN following a visit by the CAF stadia Inspection comitee according to Sports Permanent Secretary Peter Tum.
“They also want us to upgrade the media center from level two to level three. Those kind of things. There are a raft of things they demanded and we are quite good in terms of those preparations.
“This government is focused to ensure that we will be ready to host that AFCON. When we promised to host CHAN, we pledged to prepared and deliver accordingly.
“If you look at this field, which is one of the fields the guys looked at, they said it is one of the best fields in terms of the way it has been maintained. Remember we had closed this place to ensure we are ready for any qualifier or CAF assignments are likely to play.”
The CAF stadium regulation report of 2022 outlines stringent criteria in order to categorise Nyayo Stadium as Category Three, which would allow the arena to international matches. Essential improvements include:
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20:45 - 16.05.2024
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Pitch Condition: The playing surface must be green and clearly marked in white.
Goalposts: In-field goalposts should be easily removable, with spare goalposts available for swift installation.
Benches: Covered benches must be at pitch level for team comfort and visibility.
Signage: A uniform signage system is required throughout the stadium to guide spectators, including clear directions to seating sectors.
Entry and Exit Points: Operational gates and doors, marked with universally understood signage, are essential for crowd management.
Media Facilities: Installation of stadium-specific signage from media entrances to all media facilities.
Medical Facilities: Signage around medical facilities and throughout the stadium to aid supporters in locating medical assistance.
Additional facilities mandated by CAF include a doping room adjacent to team dressing rooms.
This secure facility is designed exclusively for the doping control process and must feature amenities such as a television set, refrigerator stocked with non-alcoholic beverages, sealed mineral water bottles, waste-paper bin for bottles, ventilator, and seating for a minimum of eight people.
Moreover, direct private access from the toilet area is required.
With these enhancements nearing completion, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the return of international matches on Kenyan soil.
The imminent approval of Nyayo Stadium by CAF promises to unite supporters in cheering for their favourite teams in a homegrown atmosphere conducive for sporting excellence.
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