Samba-Fest For Nairobi

By Gilbert Wandera

For Kenya football fans, the World Cup may begin on July 11 when five-time world champions Brazil are expected to make a two-day stop-over in the country.

Brazil, coached by Dunga, will be coming from South Africa after the Confederations Cup, which will be held from June 14 to 28.

A highly-placed source at the Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB) said a company involved in the tour has already booked the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, for July 11.

"They are looking at playing Harambee Stars on that day with the proceeds of the match going to support street football in the country," said the source, who requested not to be named as tour plans are still going on.

The five time World champions will then play another build-up match in Mombasa on July 12 before departing the country.

Street football has gained momentum in the country especially after Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) were crowned the Street football World Champions in 2006 when the event was held in Germany on the sidelines of the World Cup.

Plans by Brazil to visit Kenya began three months ago when representatives from the South American country toured Kenya to inspect available facilities.

The representatives who also included officials from the Brazil Football Confederation (BFC) were impressed by the 60,000-seater Kasarani stadium and settled on it to play the July 11 match.

Football Kenya chairman Mohamemd Hatimy confirmed that they have been approached by their Brazilian counterparts but are still waiting for a formal letter to play the scheduled international friendly match.

"One of their representatives talked to us two months ago about the match, but so far we have not received any formal letter. We are waiting and will be glad to play Brazil,"said Hatimy.

He said the friendly will be good for the country and will not only raise the profile of Harambee Stars but also help them prepare for their remaining World Cup qualifier matches.

Kenya are in the same group with Mozambique, Tunisia and Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers.

 

 

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