Kenya likely to host 2016 Africa Cup of Nations

By James Waindi

Kenya stands a chance to host the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations.Football Kenya Limited (FKL) has submitted their request for hosting the continental event.

Local football chiefs believe Kenya would have an advantage over other contenders when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) hold their congress meeting in Luanda, Angola, early next month.

In 1996, CAF awarded Kenya the privileges of hosting the continental event, but Kenya declined citing lack of preparation and the chance went to South Africa. "We sent our secretary general Mohammed Thabit to place our bid to CAF at the weekend. We stand a greater chance compared to other applicants because we have good infrastructure," FKL chairman Mohamed Hatimy told FeverPitch.

Other countries also biding to host 2016 event include Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Senegal.

In 2006, Angola was awarded the right to host the tournament by CAF to allow nations like Angola, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea a chance to host the tournament.

Gabon and Equatorial Guinea were also awarded the hosting rights to the 2012 Nations Cup, while Libya would be hosting the event for the second time in 2014.

Nigeria is the reserve host for the 2010, 2012 and 2014 Nations Cups, should any of the host countries fail to meet CAF requirements.

CAF requires hosting nations to have at least four Fifa-recognised stadiums with a capacity to host at least 30, 000 fans and a guaranteed security during the event.

"Apart from Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium, we have City Stadium, Mombasa Stadium and Kisumu’s Moi Stadium which we can renovate to host teams," said Hatimy.

Hatimy said leadership wrangles in the local federation could be the only stumbling block to the country’s bid. At the moment there are two factions running local football.

FKL have the backing of world football governing body Fifa and only runs the national team and Kenyan Premier League, while their rivals Kenya Football Federation are recognised by the Government and are in charge of grassroot football.

Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch said the Government was fully behind the bidding but noted that consultations were still on.