FKF President Nick Mwendwa during the press conference.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 31- Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa has insisted hosting rights for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) remains with Kenya, despite reports that the country may not be ready for the biennial showpiece.
Confederation of African Football boss Issa Hayatou was in the country late last week accompanied by his vice president Almamy Kabele Camara as well as Secretary General Hicham El Amrani and had progress meetings with the FKF leadership and Deputy President William Ruto.
“There were fruitful meetings with us and the Deputy President just to let CAF know that we are on top of things. They did not raise any concerns because they just wanted the progress we are making. Everything is on course,” Mwendwa said.
“I’m set to have a meeting in Cairo late September to have a presentation on what we are doing as a federation and possibly by then we will have a clearer road map to everything.”
The CAF delegation was set to have a press briefing after their two day tour but cancelled, raising speculation as to whether or not Kenya will still be able to hold the championship especially with the state of the stadia.
But a source within CAF has intimated to Capital Sport that the meeting between the CAF delegation and Ruto more sealed Kenya’s chances of hosting the tournament.
“The most important thing for CAF is getting government assurance. When Mr. Hayatou met with the Kenyan VP he was assured of the government’s commitment. That was all needed then. I don’t think its true Kenya will not host the tournament.” The CAF Source said.
Meanwhile, FKF is working to seal venues which are going to host the tournament. CAF requirements dictate that four stadia should be made available each with a training ground adjacent.
All the venues should have at least four changing rooms, a media tribune, anti-doping test room, referees’ room among other amenities.
Currently, only Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia meet the most basic of requirements while Eldoret, Meru, Machakos and Mombasa are other counties which are chasing to have a bite of the cherry.
