Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya has backed the joint bid to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals to get the approval of the Confederation of African Football (Caf).
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania presented a bid to stage the tournament for the first time ever in the history of the East Africa region with President William Ruto promising to stage a real campaign until it gets the approval of the African body.
“It is a good bid coming at a time when we have a President, William [Ruto], who has already shown keen interest to support sports, especially football in the country,” said Nyamweya.
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“With three countries keen to co-host the Afcon, I think they have a better chance to pass the Caf test and get the approval. It is not a Kenyan affair but a three-nation affair which makes it even possible for the bid to be approved by Caf.”
Nyamweya continued: “For example, we will need two venues from each country, and in Kenya, we have Kasarani and Nyayo which only needs refurbishment to be ready, while Uganda and Tanzania have two of their biggest stadia but if the bid was for Kenya alone then it could remain a pipe dream to have it come home.”
The veteran administrator further explained why he would love to see Kenya and especially East Africa stage the continental showpiece.
“It is been my dream all along to see Kenya host Afcon and I will be the happiest man if this bid is approved, we missed out on Afcon some years back and lately Chan which was my brainchild,” added Nyamweya.
“But with the current bid being supported fully by the heads of state from the three nations, I have a strong feeling it will be the first time for Afcon to come to East Africa.”
Algeria, Botswana, and Egypt have also presented their bids to stage the continental showpiece.