The countdown is on for the CHAN 2024 tournament, a defining moment for East African football as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania join forces to welcome the continent’s top locally based talent. CHAN, standing proudly for the African Nations Championship, is set to kick off on August 2 in Dar es Salaam and culminate in a grand final at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on August 30. What’s at stake isn’t just a trophy—it’s regional pride, the promise of legacy, and the chance to show Africa that East Africa is ready for the biggest stage.
Momentum and unity amid testing deadlines
This historic tournament, known as Pamoja—”together” in Swahili—wasn’t always guaranteed. Organizational ambitions met logistical reality as initial plans for CHAN 2024 faced postponements, deferrals which exposed critical infrastructure gaps and delays across all three host countries.
Yet through it all, resilience and teamwork began to shine. Confederation of African Football (CAF) Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, on separate visits to tournament venues, described the progress with cautious optimism. “I came here in December and there was no grass on several pitches, but today you can even play golf there. This shows huge progress has been made,” he noted during a facilities tour in Nairobi. Still, he warned that momentum must be sustained—the spotlight is unforgiving, and any stalling could jeopardize the tournament and even East Africa’s bid for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Renovations and readiness—the scramble to the finish
The centerpiece venues, Kenya’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium, have undergone extensive renovations. After significant investment—KSh 3.6 billion for Kasarani phase one alone—brand new turf, upgraded seating, state-of-the-art media tribunes, lighting, and irrigation are now reality. On July 1, Kasarani was officially handed over to the CHAN Local Organising Committee, with only finishing touches remaining at Nyayo. Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium and Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium have also been refreshed to meet CAF’s demanding standards.
Images of the transformed Kasarani Stadium, gleaming under floodlights, recently ignited excitement across Kenyan social media. The government has made it clear: “The handover follows extensive refurbishments carried out in line with recommendations by CAF during their routine inspections, a clear indication that Kenya is in top gear and fully prepared to host the tournament,” said Sports CS Salim Mvurya.
Security and fan experience take center stage
While physical infrastructure earns praise, security has been the tournament organizer’s tightrope. Incidents at Nyayo and Ulinzi Sports Complex in recent months underscored the vulnerabilities—chaotic crowd scenes, breaches of the perimeter, and clashes involving law enforcement highlighted just how critical robust security protocols would be.
CAF, well aware of these stakes, responded decisively. Dr. Christian Emeruwa, CAF’s Head of Safety and Security, led a series of hands-on workshops in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, training security supervisors in best practices unique to football events—not just generic policing. “In terms of personnel, what we have seen is impressive and commendable. We are happy with the people we have trained,” Emeruwa declared, stressing, however, that equipment and resources would need final augmentation.
At Nyayo National Stadium and the other venues, police deployments will work in tandem with crowd control features such as turnstyles and a reinforced perimeter wall. More CCTV cameras are slated for installation to bolster both preventive and investigative responses to any incidents. “Even as a democratic country, we must protect both public and private property. That incident was very unfortunate, and that’s why we’ve enhanced the wall,” Mvurya explained.
The challenge of tradition—test tournaments shelved, all eyes on CHAN
Traditionally, East Africa’s CECAFA Kagame Cup and Senior Challenge Cup have been used as dress rehearsals for major tournaments. This time, however, logistical snarls—including unresolved domestic league seasons and unfinished stadium works—forced organizers to shelve these warm-up events. Instead, the focus is squarely on ensuring the main event runs seamlessly, with all operational energy funneled into CHAN.
This pivot came after months of uncertainty. “The CECAFA Secretariat was tasked with reviewing the modalities,” explained Auka Gecheo, the body’s executive director, “but it became clear that the focus had to be on CHAN.” The collaborative spirit remains—just without the usual trial runs.
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Visas, budgets, and the spirit of “pamoja”
Seamless regional cooperation is the heart of CHAN 2024’s vision. One of the landmark innovations is the “Pamoja Visa,” a special permit to ease cross-border movement for players, officials, and fans during the tournament. With the three governments jointly committing over $39 million, there is both optimism and pressure: the legacy of CHAN will likely determine the region’s reputation ahead of AFCON 2027.
Sports ministers from all host nations pledged unity and meticulous delivery. “Visa is crucial to allow free movement, and it is commendable that it’s being worked on,” Mosengo-Omba reiterated, recognizing how vital logistics will be to tournament success. Equipment importation is set for tax exemption, and economic dividends are expected to surpass just ticket sales—tournaments like these catalyze infrastructure investment and cross-sector growth.
Stadiums for the ages
East Africa is parading its best footballing cathedrals. Kasarani, with its 60,000-capacity bowl, boasts modern amenities worthy of a continental final. Nyayo, atmospheric and intimate after its facelift, is ready for pivotal group matches. Over the borders, Mandela National Stadium and Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium set the scene for opening games and showcase fixtures. Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium, amidst coastal charm, rounds off a list of venues merging tradition and contemporary architecture.
The legacy isn’t just for the month of August. “The infrastructure being put in place will serve us beyond CHAN and into AFCON 2027,” noted Tanzania’s Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi. It’s an investment for a generation—and a statement of intent to the world.
On the pitch—blockbusters, rivalries, and high hopes
CHAN’s game format, fielding national teams comprised solely of domestic league players, means local heroes will have the spotlight. Kenya’s Harambee Stars, led by widely respected coach Benni McCarthy, face a baptism by fire against Morocco at Kasarani. North African giants Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa are all in the hat, shaping mouthwatering group stage showdowns that are certain to draw packed houses and vibrant atmospheres.
“As hosts, we definitely want to give a good account of ourselves and do everything we can as a team to make Kenyans proud. The target… is to see the team play at the latter stages whether it’s the semis or even the final. With hard work, it is possible,” said McCarthy, amplifying the high expectations across the region.
Looking forward—the clock ticks, and history beckons
With official handovers of key stadiums completed, security rehearsals ongoing, and organizational will at a high, the final weeks before CHAN 2024 are less about construction and more about fine-tuning—testing systems, instilling fan discipline, and making the tournament experience unforgettable for spectators and players alike.
The nerves, the excitement, the sense of a region rising to meet its promise—these are the real stories behind the headlines. CHAN 2024 isn’t simply a football tournament. For East Africa, it is an audition for something greater, a testament to the power of “pamoja” when vision, passion, and perseverance collide.
