The postponement of CHAN 2024 gives East Africa a crucial chance to improve infrastructure and readiness ahead of AFCON 2027.
Most of the time, tournament delays are met with frustration, but for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to push the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to August has been embraced as a blessing in disguise.
This six-month delay not only allows for better preparations but also exposes the glaring truth about East Africa’s readiness—or lack thereof—to host major football tournaments.
While government officials and football executives from the three nations have largely welcomed the postponement, it is clear that their enthusiasm is not just about extra time for marketing and team preparations.
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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 truth is that East Africa was simply not ready to host CHAN in February 2024. The state of stadiums, training facilities, accommodations, and other necessary infrastructure left much to be desired.
The CAF inspection teams have been monitoring progress, and while they have expressed optimism, the reality on the ground suggests that a February tournament would have struggled with incomplete venues, logistical nightmares, and potential embarrassment on the continental stage.
This postponement, therefore, provides a crucial window to not only complete pending work but also set a standard that could positively influence the region’s hosting of AFCON 2027.
Kenya, for instance, has had a troubled past when it comes to hosting international football tournaments. The country lost its hosting rights for CHAN 2018 due to poor infrastructure, a failure that still haunts its football administrators. This history underscores why officials are now eager to use the extended deadline wisely.
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Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya reassured the public that efforts would not slow down: “The six months will entail a lot of work to prepare the teams and firm up our efforts to host the tournament. The three governments and heads of state are committed to its success.”
However, words alone will not be enough. The governments of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania must match their rhetoric with action.
Renovations and construction of stadiums must accelerate to meet CAF standards. East Africa must ensure that this extension does not become an excuse for complacency but a motivation to prove critics wrong.
Uganda’s football federation chief, Moses Magogo, pointed out that the delay would help in marketing the event. While this is true, the real concern is whether East Africa has the financial and logistical muscle to host a seamless tournament. With just over six months remaining, this is not the time for political posturing but for focused execution.
One of the most pressing challenges is ensuring that stadiums are fully equipped and ready for international matches. For instance, Kenya’s Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums have often been subjects of criticism due to inconsistent maintenance and substandard facilities.
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Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium has been under renovation for a long time, while Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium remains one of the few reliable options in the region. However, one or two high-standard stadiums will not be enough to host a tournament of CHAN’s magnitude.
Beyond the stadiums, other aspects such as training grounds, transport, security, and accommodation must be top priorities. A successful CHAN will not only be judged by what happens on the pitch but also by the overall experience for players, officials, and fans. Hospitality must be top-notch, and teams must be able to train and play without logistical struggles.
The three nations should also take this as an opportunity to enhance their football governance. Issues such as poor administration, corruption, and mismanagement have long plagued football in East Africa. A well-organized CHAN could set a new precedent for professionalism and efficiency. More importantly, it should be a test run for AFCON 2027, ensuring that the region does not fumble on an even bigger stage.
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FKF vice president McDonald Mariga has shared how he feels Harambee Stars can ensure they qualify from their tough CHAN 2024 group that has Morocco, Angola, DRC and Zambia.
The draw, which placed Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in competitive groups, has already set the tone for an exciting tournament. However, if the hosting nations fail to put their house in order, CHAN 2024 could turn into an organizational nightmare rather than a football celebration.
With the clock ticking, East Africa must prove that this postponement was not just a convenient escape from an impending disaster but an opportunity to elevate its football standards. If they get it right, CHAN 2024 could be the perfect launch pad for a successful AFCON 2027. If they fail, they will have no excuses left.
CAF has given Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania a rare second chance—now they must show that they deserve it.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Pulse Sports.
