CECAFA U18: Fans warned against pitch invasion

Dec 7, 2023 - 16:19

By Peter Ochieng

Football fans in Kisumu have been warned against invading the field of play during the third runners-up and final matches of the 2023 CECAFA U18 tournament on Friday.

Rwanda will battle Tanzania in the third runners-up match at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu from 11 am, before Kenya faces Uganda in the final from 2.30 pm.

On Tuesday, fans invaded the pitch after Kenya beat Tanzania 4-3 via post-match penalties, owing to the 0-0 draw in normal and added time, during the second semifinal.

Addressing members of the press at the stadium on Thursday, Auka Gecheo, CECAFA Chief Executive Officer said the field of play is out of bounds for all fans.

“It must be very clear that the pitch of play is out of bounds for all fans and spectators, and that is a directive we cannot afford to breach at all because it has a lot of consequences.”

“From the FKF perspective, this country together with Uganda and Tanzania will be hosting CHAN next year and AFCON in 2027, and I think we must show that we have the capacity to be able to do that, and that also comes with the discipline of the fans and spectators,” said Gecheo.

The CEO said when fans jump onto the pitch, the security of players, coaches, and match officials is thrown into jeopardy.

“Please, let us refrain from jumping onto the pitch, breaching the field of play,” he pleaded.

His sentiments got the backing of Football Kenya Federation Vice President Doris Petra.

“We want to bring more tournaments to Kisumu because of the support that we have gotten from the public, but it can only happen in a peaceful and orderly environment,” she said.

Joseph Andere, Nyanza region FKF National Executive Council member said the tournament, hosted by Kisumu and Kakamega has been a huge success, due to the high number of fans who have been turning up for the games.

Entry to the stadium remains free. However, only 15, 000 tickets are being issued on a first come first serve basis, free of charge due to limited space.