NAIROBI, Kenya, October 9 – Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will invite African giants Ivory Coast as a guest team for this year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup if they can raise the finances to bring The Elephants to the country.
Speaking on Tuesday night, federation boss, Sam Nyamyeya, also declared Machakos County has been added as a venue for the event that will run from November 27 to December 12.
“Zambia and Malawi have already confirmed participation but due to financial constraints, we are able not to invite Ivory Coast but if we get sponsors, we will invite them,” Nyamweya stated.
According to him, Machakos Governor, Dr. Alfred Mutua is confident Kenyatta Stadium will be ready in three weeks time since it’s currently under renovation.
“This time round Cecafa will be taken to the people, we don’t want it to concentrate in the capital city. Machakos will join Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru and Mumias.
“We have a very good support from the Government, FIFA and CAF, who will make the tournament succeed,” he added.
“The Senior Challenge Cup coincides with the 50th anniversary for our country’s independence and we also want to use it for peace in this region,” Nyamweya went on.
He was speaking during the unveiling of the GOtv Shield that will see eight teams battle it out in the quarter finals this weekend.
“We are now in the last eight and one club from the lower league Finlays has shown the big boys what they are made of.
“Teams are looking at the biggest prize money of Sh2million for the winner as well as the continental slot.
“We thank GOtv for this partnership, let’s all turn out to cheer the teams in the next round,” the federation boss stated.
While unveiling the Shield to the media, GOtv General Manager Felix Kyengo noted that the tournament continues to create a buzz to football fans and subscribers.
“The Shield is something to look out for as this is one trophy that whoever bags it rightly deserves the bragging rights plus the exposure that comes with taking it home,” said Mr Kyengo.
The trophy is made up of brushed aluminium, with gold detailing and mini diamonds with the design based on the Shield device as found on the Kenyan flag and Coat of Arms.
“We want to convey the message that this is a truly and proudly Kenyan tournament and we are honoured that the entire football fraternity have the opportunity to associate with something as prestigious as the GOtv Shield tournament,” said SuperSport East Africa General Mananger, Auka Gecheo.
Gor Mahia are the defending champions where winners will represent Kenya in the CAF Confederations Cup next season.
GOtv Shield quarter finals Fixtures:
Saturday 12
2:00pm Mathare United Vs Sony Sugar – Nyayo Stadium
4:30pm Gor Mahia Vs Western Stima – Nyayo Stadium
Sunday 13
2:00pm Sofapaka Vs Finlays – Nyayo Stadium
4:30pm AFC Leopards Vs Karuturi Sports- Nyayo Stadium
