Stakeholders in the sports sector have differed with plans to rush the completion of sports facilities in readiness for African Nations Championship games (CHAN). According to Rajab Mustafa, Principal of Emanani Muslim Secondary School and chair of Matungu sub county sports Association, there is a lot of potential in Kenyan sports if the right procedures are followed.
CHAN is just around the corner, the stadiums do not meet the standards and a rush to host them may bring shame to the department of Sports
he said.
He has proposed that instead of exerting pressure on stakeholders, the government should formulate a proper roadmap to elevate stadia in a gradual manner.
“This will give room for quality work that can meet international standards,” he said.
He adds that hosting the games is not enough but maintaining the standard of the competition is the key thing for the country.
“We need proper infrastructure to allow movement of people, proper five star hotels to host visitors, that is why preparations should be done in a wholesome manner,” he added.
On AFCON 2027, he says there is need for Kenya to stop excitement on hosting and build a strong team that will not only host but compete for the title.
“The title calls for experience and a well build team, not just anticipations that may make us participants,” he said.
Mustafa has urged the government of Kenya to invest heavily on teachers in the talent sector so that they beef up development of talents.
“With the emergence of CBC, the future lies in our young people, we must come up with deliberate efforts to enable them grow, talent teachers must be given priority in our institutions,” he said.
Consequently, he has condemned immense cheating over age among students who take part in school games citing that it has lowered the integrity of sports.
This comes as Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega, Afaraha in Nakuru, Kipchoge Keino and Jomo Kenyatta Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu County are listed to be among the stadia listed to host CHAN in mid 2024. Mustafa was speaking shortly after winning Bukhalalire open tournament.
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