Auka Gecheo explains why postponing the CHAN tournament is a blessing in disguise for the three host countries.
CECAFA Executive Director Auka Gecheo has urged Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to get everything right in their second attempt as the move by CAF to postpone the African Nations Championships (CHAN) continues to elicit mixed reactions.
The tournament that was set for February has been rescheduled to August giving the host nations another six months to put everything in order.
“A good move by Caf and the three-member associations just to see that we get every box ticked. It is a welcome reprieve so that we can get our house in order,” Gecheo said.
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Kenya’s ambitious plan to host part of the 2027 AFCON matches in the football-rich regions of Nyanza and Western Kenya has suffered a significant setback with majority of the stadia yet to meet FIFA’s required standards.
He reiterated that CHAN is a huge tournament that has worldwide attraction and that every hitch must be addressed accordingly.
“I’m not saying we’re not in order but we want to be double-sure because this is a world-class event that will be watched by everyone globally. It is important we get everything in order to get them up and running,” Gecheo stated.
Gecheo said the decision to postpone the tournament was necessary because the CHAN assignment is a precursor to the AFCON 2027 championship.
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Michael Olunga has risen from humble beginnings to become Kenya’s highest-earning footballer, securing lucrative contracts across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
“The three countries have put in a lot of effort for several years and more importantly in the last couple of weeks. I think from the federations, from the three governments, from the host countries are very eager to put up a very good show and not just a superficial job…but a proper job to showcase what East Africa is all about.
“This is a fantastic precursor for AFCON 2027. This will set the mood heading into the tournament itself and indeed to 2027 for AFCON.”
This year’s edition is set to see teams receive bumper cash rewards after CAF increased its prize money.
“The increase in prize money by CAF means that this is a competition that must be taken seriously. It shows CAF is dedicated to ensure that we get the best players to compete in this championship,” Gecheo revealed.
