Home at last, Nairobi set for 2024 Chan draw

Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum (centre), Caf Head of Safety and Security Christian Emeruwa (left), and Chan LOC chairman Nicholas Musonye during press conference at KICC, Nairobi on Tuesday. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

After several months of speculation, the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) is finally here with us.

The draw for the historic event to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania on February 1-28 will be held at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi on Wednesday.

There were doubts about Kenya's preparedness to co-host the tournament, but tonight's mega ceremony in the city under the sun is a clear indication that Kenya, which is considered a sporting powerhouse in the world, is set to write a new history as far as hosting of international events is concerned.

But honestly, it has not been a walk in the park to realize this dream that will not only put the region in a pole position to host other major continental and global events, but also grow economically. The upcoming tournament will act as a dry run for the eagerly awaited 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Having been stripped of the hosting rights of the 1996 Afcon to South Africa and 2018 Chan to Morocco due to a lack of standardised facilities, Kenyans can't wait to finally stage a successful and historic continental showpiece with at least nine nations playing from the capital. Rumours of the tournament going to Rwanda can now be put to rest.

While Nyayo Stadium (30,000 capacity) has been given a clean bill of health by the Confederation of African Football (Caf), there is some huge progress at Kasarani Stadium (60,000 capacity). The three training grounds Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Stadium and Kasarani Annex also look to be perfectly in good shape to host the tournament. It is the same situation with Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania and Uganda's Mandela National Stadium.

Historic moment

While Uganda Cranes and Taifa Stars have already participated in the Chan tournament, this will be the first time for Harambee Stars in the finals of the competition involving local-based players.

Save for the trio, today's draw will likely feature 14 other teams including holders Senegal, two-time champions Morocco and Nigeria. Only 17 of the initially targeted 19 teams have been confirmed.

The winners of the final slated for February 28 will walk home with Sh453.25 million (USD 3.5 million) in prize money. This year's tournament has been made more lucrative after the continental body increased the total prize money to Sh1.3 billion (USD 10.4 million).

Kenyan legend and FA deputy president McDonald Mariga, Uganda's Hassan Wasswa and Mrisho Ngasa of Tanzania will serve as the draw assistants in the event to be graced by President William Ruto, Caf president Patrice Motsepe, Tanzania's Minister for Sports Damas Ndumbaro and his Ugandan counterpart Peter Ogwang among other dignitaries.

Even as Kenya continues to race against time in terms of preparedness, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum said that all security protocols have been observed ahead of the draw tonight (8pm).

"We are prepared to host the draw tomorrow (Wednesday). We have looked at three key areas specifically; event management, and we will conduct a dry run to ensure that everything is in order before the big day," Tum said during yesterday's press briefing.

Caf's Head of Safety and Security Christian Emeruwa, said only invited and accredited individuals will be allowed in the building.

On his side, Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman Nicholas Musonye reiterated the importance of the tournament to the East African region.