Confederation of Africa Football impressed with Stadium progress

CAF vice president Elmamy Kabele Camara talks to unknown person through his mobile phone as he was inspecting Mombasa Stadium with other officials which is under construction, April 27, 2017. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Confederation of Africa Football said it was impressed with the progress Mombasa County Government has made to improve the county stadium.

A high level delegation from Caf led by its Vice President Almamy Camara (pictured) and Secretary General Hicham El Amrani, however, said a lot needs to be done ahead of hosting the 2018 CHAN championships.

“Mombasa County is on course to beat the September 2017 deadline, but they must move with speed to make it a reality,” said Camara.

The Caf team was flanked by FKF President Nick Mwendwa, Vice President Doris Patra, Coast Nec member Raphael Mwalungo, FKF South Coast Chairman Gabriel Mgendi and former KFF Chairman Mohammed Hatimy, who is also the county Finance Committee Chairman.

Mombasa County Deputy Governor Hazel Katana, county sports boss, Rajab Babu and Project Engineering Surveyor Philip Manwa, were also present.

Camara said Caf will support FKF to host a successful CHAN tournament.

“Hosting CHAN presents enormous opportunities for Mombasa residents as it would be used to promote tourism,” said Camara.

“With political goodwill, nothing will stop Kenya from hosting a successful tournament. We will accord FKF every support,” said Camara.

The Caf team said they would be making monthly visits to all facilities set to host the event to ensure they were not behind schedule.

Mwendwa said the county needs to give priority to developing infrastructure.

Deputy Governor Katana assured the delegation that phase two of the project will start in July.

“The funds are there to finish the work as stipulated. There is no need to worry, as we shall be working around the clock to beat the deadline. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity to host CHAN. In 2012, we hosted Cecafa Senior Challenge and we want to upgrade ourselves by hosting CHAN,” said Katana.

Mbaraki Sports Club and Mombasa Sports Club have been earmarked as training venues.

On Tuesday, the Caf team inspected Kisumu Stadium and is today expected to inspect other venues that will host the championship including Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium and Eldoret.