We need Sh60m to host CECAFA Cup after Tusker deal ran out, says Football Kenya Federation

Former Kenya captain Denis Oliech (left) during the Harambee Stars 2014 World Cup qualifier against Namibia earlier this month in Nairobi.  [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO / STANDARD]

BY GILBERT WANDERA

The regional Senior Challenge Cup set for Kenya in December  has yet to land a title sponsor, even though football chiefs are confident they will find one.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chairman Sam Nyamweya said they will require Sh60 million to stage the event, which will coincide with the celebrations for Kenya’s 50-years of independence.

“We have held several planning meetings among ourselves and even with the Council for East and Central Africa Football  Association (CECAFA),” said Nyamweya.

“I want to assure all our partners and sponsors that we are determined to have a successful competition. We plan to make public our sponsors who have shown interest,” he said.

This year’s tournament will be held when Kenya is celebrating 50-years since independence and the government, Nyamweya said, has taken an interest in having a successful event.

“The Ministry of Sport has been very supportive for which we are grateful,” said the FKF boss.

Nyamweya expressed confidence they will get a title sponsor for the event after a three-year deal with East African Breweries Limited (EABL) lapsed last year.

Cecafa Secretary General, Nicholas Musonye, declined to comment on the matter.

The two-week event will also give coach Adel Amrouche an opportunity to identify his team for the 2015  Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which kick off early next year.

The coach said he has in mind the majority of players he wants to field in the qualifiers and the regional tournament will be a chance to identify the players.

FKF plans to invite at least three guest teams for this year’s regional tournament to be held in Nairobi and Kisumu. Nyamweya said  they have narrowed down on inviting Malawi, Ivory Coast and Zambia.

Having been edged out of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Kenya will be looking forward to doing better in the regional tournament where they reached the final last year in Kampala.

Meanwhile, Shanzu United’s good run was checked at the weekend after they were handed a 2-0 drubbing by FC Shell in an FKF South Coast Provincial Zone B league matche at Peleleza ground in Likoni, adds Ernest Ndunda.

FC Shells drew first blood in the 34th minute through a spectacular free kick by Jackson Mbithi before Dismas Kibesen scored the second one a minute to time.

The result was a sweet victory for FC Shells who lost 6-0 to Shanzu United in the first leg at Shanzu Tecahers Training College.