Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations organising committees launched

Cecafa committee members from left Dorice Perta, Bob Munro, Mike Mbuvi ‘Sonko’ and Football Kenya Federation President Sam Nyamweya. [PHOTO:MARTIMN MUKANGU]

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Tuesday launched the Local Organising Committee for this year’s Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) Senior Challenge Cup.

The committees include technical, refereeing, accommodation, transport, hospitality and protocol, security, communication/marketing/publicity, and finance departments.

Those picked to head the committees during the meeting, attended by Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye, include Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi ‘Sonko’, FKF President Sam Nyamweya and his deputy Robert Asembo.

“We are proud that the tournament is back home and  member countries are excited to be in Kenya. We have seen the government’s commitment and we shall work together to showcase Kenya’s hospitality,” said Nyamweya.

Senator Mbuvi, who attended the meeting in his capacity as the Nairobi County Senator, also represented Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero.

 Four venues

The Cecafa tournament is scheduled for November 27 to December 12, 2013. The committee said four venues, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mumias and Nakuru, will host the tournament, while Mombasa will be confirmed only if the Municipal Stadium is ready on time.

“We are working closely with Fifa and the contractor has assured that the laying of the ultra-modern artificial turf at the Kisumu Municipal Stadium will be completed in mid-November,” said Nyamweya, who also confirmed that the12 Cecafa Council members have confirmed participation in the regional tournament.

He added that Malawi, Zambia and Ivory Coast will be invited to the tournament.

“This year’s event is unique as it coincides with the country’s 50 years of independence. It is also on November 27 that the Fifa 2014 World Cup trophy will be in the country as part of its worldwide tour,” said Nyamweya.

[email protected]