Free entry for fans during CECAFA tourney

By Peter Ochieng

Football fans in Nyanza and Western have a reason to smile, ahead of this year’s edition of the Confederation for East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) under-18 boys’ championships.

The tournament kicks of on Saturday, 25th November, 2023, with Jomo Kenyatta International Sports Stadium in Kisumu and Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, being the hosts.

According to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Barry Otieno, fans will access the stadiums to watch matches free of charge.

Speaking in Kisumu during a joint press briefing with Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on Friday, Otieno called on football fans drawn from CECAFA region and Kenya in particular, to turn up in large numbers in support of their respective teams.

On his part Nyong'o, said that hosting the tournament is a great honour to the city of Kisumu which is no doubt the headquarters of football in the region.

“This is exciting news and a great honour to the City of Kisumu, which is no doubt the headquarters of football in the region, having produced many local and international football stars,” said Nyong’o.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba, the CECAFA governing Council and the Football Kenya Federation for choosing Kisumu to host this great tournament.”

He assured residents and all the teams that Kisumu is safe, and ready for the tournament. “I also wish to assure all our guests that Kisumu is safe and their security is guaranteed. I appeal to the people of Kisumu to accord a friendly welcome to all the visitors and turn up in large numbers to watch the matches and cheer our national team,” added the second term county boss.

The tournament kicks off tomorrow at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium from mid-day. Nyong’o and Namwamba are expected watch the opening matches between Somali Vs Rwanda at 12 noon, and Kenya Vs Sudan at 3pm.

All group A matches will be played in Kisumu, while group B matches will be staged in Kakamega. Also read: https://nairobireview.com/cecafa-u18-coach-babu-names-final-squad