Confederation of African Football (CAF) head of TV and communication, Luxolo September, has lauded Kenya for its remarkable handling of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), describing the tournament as a joy to the nation.

Speaking during a local TV interview on Monday night, August 18, 2025, September expressed admiration for how Kenya co-hosted the competition alongside Tanzania and Uganda, noting that the success has positioned the nation as a new hub for continental tournaments.

He assured Kenyans that the country’s efficiency and commitment had caught CAF’s attention, paving the way for more premier events to be staged locally in the years to come.

“I have never seen something like what is happening in Kenya before. CHAN has brought a lot of joy to Kenyans. Major events will now come here, you will get exposed to global standards and organisations,” September said.

September also weighed in on the ticketing glitches that were reported during the tournament, downplaying the concerns by insisting such challenges are not unique to Kenya. Kenyans have been having difficulties in buying tickets online, with many missing out and others buying fake tickets from unauthorised sellers.

“The ticketing issue is a challenge everywhere; it’s not a unique African problem,” he explained, adding that logistical hurdles often accompany major tournaments worldwide.

Kenya’s historic hosting

This year marked the first time Kenya co-hosted the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament after missing the opportunity in 2017 due to lack of proper facilities, a tournament reserved for players featured in their domestic leagues. September noted that despite minor setbacks such as crowd control and ticketing, the country’s overall delivery demonstrated readiness for greater responsibilities on the continental and global stage.

“It is normal to have challenges when you’re hosting an event for the first time,” he said, praising Kenyan organisers for quickly learning and adapting.

With CAF and FIFA increasingly pushing for broader engagement across Africa, Kenya’s strong showing is expected to open doors for bids to host competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and other international tournaments. Kenya has already won the bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations alongside Tanzania and Uganda.