Football Kenya Federation submits solo bid for 2017 Nations Cup

Harambee Stars players and officials meets president. Photos/internet sources

Football Kenya Federation has decided to go it alone in bidding to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after failing to agree joint bids with Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

FKF had approached their East African neighbours to join them as co-hosts of the tournament which fell vacant following the withdrawal of Libya citing insecurity.

But on Tuesday evening, the Federation through Secretary General Michael Esakwa announced they had submitted the required documents before September 30, the deadline set by the Confederation of African Football.

Esakwa said they presented a strong bid and are confident of staging the continental extravaganza after being assured of full support from the Kenyan government.

“Our bid documents including a documentary showcasing our sports facilities and other requirements is already at CAF headquarters and we are confident that we have put up a strong bid to host Africa’s greatest football event,” said Esakwa.

“We had a strong team comprising Kenyans and other international consultants and we are extremely delighted by the support from our government on the bid, “he added.

FKF Chairman Sam Nyamweya has revealed that CAF have confirmed receiving their bid.

“We submitted our bid to CAF and they have already confirmed receiving it. With the full support of the government, I am confident we will win the hosting rights,”said Nyamweya.

Kenya, who were given the hosting rights for the 1996 edition of the tournament, but later withdrew due to lack of government support, face stiff competition from Algeria, Ghana, Mali, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The winning country will be announced in April 2015.

Meanwhile, FC Talanta coach Michael Ouma Nam has been invited to the International Soccer coaches’ conference at Staffordshire, England in December.