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Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has revealed how impressed he is by President William Ruto’s commitment to host CHAN.

Motsepe, who is on a tour in East Africa, is in the country and met the president at the Nairobi State House on Friday, December 20, 2024.

While addressing journalist Motsepe, a South African business mogul, praised the Head of State, whom he said has passion and commitment to ensure CHAN is hosted in the country.

“I was in Tanzania yesterday (Thursday, December 19, 2024), and I must say I am so pleased and impressed by their progress. My deepest gratitude on behalf of all African countries goes out to President William Ruto for the level of commitment and passion he has shown in ensuring Kenya hosts CHAN.

“Today is a manifestation and reconfirmation that the faith and trust we all have in him and the country is well placed,” Motsepe said.

He acknowledged the challenges Kenya is facing to beat the deadline and be ready to host CHAN in February next year.

“Like in any huge undertaking, even in the World Cup, there will always be challenges. But even with a challenge, huge progress has been made, and I am confident that the next time I’ll be here will be for CHAN.

“With over 19 countries and media, I am confident that this will be the most successful CHAN in history,” he added.

Ruto’s commitment

On his part, Ruto said that the country will be ready to host the continental showpiece.

“Kenya is pulling out all the stops to be ready to host the African Nations Championships (CHAN) in February 2025. I thank the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their confidence in our country’s ability to host the games,” the president stated.

Even the outgoing Sports Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, is confident that Kenya will host CHAN.

“I want to assure CAF, and I want to assure Kenyans, that we will be ready to host CHAN. We are putting everything in place; we are burning the midnight oil and mobilizing all resources to ensure that we host CHAN next year. The government is committed to ensuring that this happens.

“It’s true, we have a lot of work to do, and that is why this LOC has a very huge responsibility. Even if it means working night and day, we have to meet the obligations that have been set. What we are going to do, especially with Kasarani, is we will complete the crucial aspects of the facility like the playing surface, dressing room, and stands,” Murkomen said.

Kenya is expected to host the competition alongside Tanzania and Uganda.