CECAFA boss Gecheo backs Kenya's 2027 AFCON bid

The Cabinet on December 6,  chaired by President William Ruto, approved the proposal for Kenya to bid for the continental showpiece.

The idea was affirmed by President Ruto in his Jamhuri Day speech, as he outlined Vision 2030 for Kenyan Football which aims at propelling Kenya to the year’s World Cup edition.

Speaking exclusively to Citizen Digital, CECAFA Executive Director Auka Gecheo said the move would enhance regional integration apart from the obvious sporting benefits to the hosts.

“As Cecafa, we are so much impressed by President Ruto’s commitment on hosting the AFCON 2027, and to me I think it’s a brilliant idea which will boost the economy in East Africa as well as improve our football sports infrastructures. It’s a discussion we had already put forward as CECAFA only that Kenya wasn’t active towards it due the FIFA suspension which has since been lifted. I hope the talks will take course,” eloquently explained Gecheo.

He however says there is still work to be done for the CECAFA members to meet the CAF standards for AFCON.

I have traversed the east African countries and I’m impressed by how far the countries have gone in terms of improving sports infrastructure. Apart from Kenya where we have two quality stadiums, we also have the same in Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan. If given the opportunity I think only some little work will have to be done to uplift other stadiums ahead of the tournament.”

“I have heard many people saying that the major challenge would be transport considering the geographical distance between the east African countries, but to me I think it will not. The next World Cup event will be co-hosted by three countries where air transport will commonly be used and I think that should replicate in East Africa as well.

Tanzania’s Simba Queens Team manager Selemani Makanya says hosting AFCON would spark a new football mentality in the region.

“We’re now in 2022, meaning we are talking about five years to come and if we will be serious enough then I don’t see any reason why we can’t host the tournament. Here in Tanzania our president Samia Suluhu Hassan has boosted the sports sector by lowering the sports products tax which means it will be cheaper to renovate and build the stadiums,” observed Makanya.

Tanzania’s Tigers Sports Academy Director Pottin Pello on his part feels there is a lot to do before the EA nations can host the tournament.

“Here in Tanzania we have two main stadiums, Benjamin Mkappa and Azam Complex. Others are a bit far in Mwanza, which is approximately 1,130 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. I just wish we had a Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) connecting the East African countries, as air transport could prove very expensive for teams traversing across the countries.”

Bagala Peace Diana, a Ugandan Journalist, thinks her country is not ready for the opportunity citing poor sports infrastructure.

“In East Africa, it’s only Rwanda who we can say they are ready as of now because they hosted the CHAN tournament. Here in Uganda, Namboole is our main stadium which is currently under renovation and other stadiums which may be close to FFA standards are St. Marys Kitende and Nakivubo which are both in poor state.

“As for Kenya, this is a good opportunity considering they are coming from a FIFA suspension. It's upon them to put their house in order and invest more in infrastructure, and I’m sure that in the five years period, they will be more than ready,” she opined.