Kenyan NGO Urges FKF Top Managers to use the Ongoing AFCON as Litmus Test Ahead of 2027 Event
The Non Govermental Organization (NGO) Council of Kenya has urged the Football Kenya Football (FKF) top managers to use the ongoing Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) that is ongoing in Cote’dVoire tournament as a litmus test for arrangements to stage the competition in 2027 with Uganda and Tanzania.
In a press statement the council chairman Stephen Kipchumba Cheboi said the ongoing logistical challenges in Abidjan should be a testing lesson for soccer managers in the region ahead of 2027 that is only three and half years away and will coincidentally happen when Kenya will be holding its general elections in August.
“We want to urge sports managers and all stakeholders which include transport, hotels, and hospitality industry to start making arrangements now including more importantly revamping the national stadiums that are currently in a pathetic state,” he said.
He noted that scouting for talent should go down to school tournaments or community competition as some of the current national players are already past competitive age and face physical challenges.
“It must be appreciated that the AFCON 2027 presents a rare opportunity for East Africa to showcase many of its talents and resources that will include attracting fans from Africa, and around the world giving much needed economic boost
to the local economy as sports entertainment is a big business.”
Cheboi urged East African governments to emulate Kenya by waiving any visa requirement to ease movement of fans, people and goods across the entire region which which will be speaking in one voice as hosts of the all important African soccer show piece.
He said there seemed to be a degree of slowness in the way FKF is handling the matter while major stadiums remain locked for supposed renovations they are open for other activities and no work appears to be going on.
Photo: Michael Olunga (in red jersey) expected to lead Harambee Stars in 2027 AFCON to be co-hosted by Kenya,Uganda and Tanzania.