Kenya ready to host successful CECAFA tournaments – Ababu Namwamba

The Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sport in Kenya, Ababu Namwamba has said they are prepared to successfully host two CECAFA tournaments.

Namwamba was speaking this morning during a press conference held at his office at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi ahead of the CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship to take place November 25th to December 8th, 2023 in the towns of Kisumu and Kakamega.

” We are prepared to host successful CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship and the Pan Africa Schools tournament. Secondly we wish to rally fans to Bukhungu and Kisumu Stadium to support their team, ” added Namwamba.

He made it clear that Kenya’s hosting and participation is intentional and in sync with government manifesto of attracting and hosting elite competition to develop talent and promote Kenya as a destination of choice.

Nick Mwendwa, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President encouraged fans to attend the matches to support the boys. He added the U-18 Camp at Kasarani had 45 players and a final squad was selected ahead of the opening group A match on Sunday against Sudan.

The Executive Director of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), Auka Gecheo thanked Kenya for accepting to host the CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship and the Pan Africa Schools tournament.

” We appreciate the commitment of the Ministry of Youth and Sport Cabinet Namwamba,  and our partners FKF in hosting two CECAFA tournaments this year, ” added Gecheo.

He made it clear that CECAFA works hard to offer platforms for all member associations to prepare and compete at the continental and global stage. ” This is CECAFA’s 5th tournament this year and we are delighted to be back again in Kenya, ” he added. Kenya last hosted a CECAFA tournament in 2021, the Zonal CAF Women’s Champions League.