)
Harambee Stars may host their World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast at home
Harambee Stars fans might have a reason to cheer as the Sports Ministry has reignited efforts to have Nyayo National Stadium host the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and the Ivory Coast in June.
The Ministry has invited the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to re-inspect the facility in a bid to secure approval for Harambee Stars' World Cup qualifier matches.
)
20:30 - 16.05.2024
Meet pretty lady who stands by Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga through triumphs and trials
The Harambee Stars captain keeps his relationship private only sharing glimpses of his life with his girlfriend amid their legal battles.
Previously, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had confirmed that it would host the qualifier against Burundi in Lilongwe, Malawi, on June 7, 2024, due to the lack of CAF-approved stadiums in the country.
Principal Secretary Peter Tum, appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Sports, announced that his Ministry had invited CAF's inspectorate team to conduct a re-inspection of Nyayo National Stadium.
"CAF's inspection team has confirmed that they will be in the country in one or two weeks to inspect Nyayo Stadium again," Tum stated.
"The fact that CAF's team has agreed to come again for an inspection after a request by the CS gives the country and football fans hope of watching Harambee Stars start their World Cup qualifier campaign on home soil."
)
19:58 - 16.05.2024
Burundi name provisional squad to face Kenya, Seychelles in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Burundi's head coach Etienne Ndayiragije named a strong 27-man squad for World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Seychelles, blending local and European talent.
The Ministry's renewed efforts come after extensive renovations were undertaken following the stadium's closure.
Tum assured football fans that Nyayo would be given a clean bill of health to host the qualifier matches.
)
16:12 - 14.05.2024
CONFIRMED: Harambee Stars to host first ever World Cup qualifier away from home against Burundi
Burundi has confirmed hosting their World Cup qualifier against Kenya in a different location.
He noted that Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba is determined to ensure that all FIFA requirements are met.
"The implications of not hosting qualifier matches at home are bad for the country and the national team," Tum said.
"It is because of this reason that the CS has put all mechanisms in place to ensure that the country complies with all the requirements."
)
16:13 - 16.05.2024
Dennis Oliech explains how costly it will be for Harambee Stars to play home matches in Malawi
Kenyan football legend Dennis Oliech has given his opinion on the move to have Harambee Stars host Burundi and Ivory Coast in Malawi due to lack of a stadium in the country.
Tum highlighted that the only remaining area of concern is the lighting project, which is nearing completion.
"The only area we are working on now is the lighting project, which will soon be complete," he added.
The National Assembly Committee on Sports, led by Dan Wanyama, expressed concerns over the initial decision to hold World Cup qualifier matches in Lilongwe, Malawi.
"As an oversight entity, we don't see a tangible reason why the Ministry cannot comply with FIFA standards for our stadiums to host matches of such magnitude," said the Webuye West MP.
Wanyama added that the Committee would also tour Nyayo Stadium to inspect the progress made by the Ministry in ensuring that it meets FIFA's conditions to host World Cup qualifiers.
"We will conduct our own inspection to ensure that everything is up to standard," he said.
With the renewed push for Nyayo Stadium's re-inspection, there is renewed optimism that Harambee Stars could play their crucial World Cup qualifier matches on home turf.
The upcoming inspection by CAF's team will be pivotal in determining whether the stadium will be approved to host the high-stakes matches against Burundi and the Ivory Coast.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)