There is light at the end of the Kasarani Stadium’s tunnel, as the renovation works at the facility are nearing completion, with 53 days to the start of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe facility alongside the Nyayo National Stadium has been undergoing a major facelift ahead of the tournament, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.Kasarani was closed in September 2023, with Nyayo locking its gates last year to pave the way for the lengthy renovation works.##NAJAVA_MECA_8969723##On Tuesday, Mozzart Sport toured the facility to establish the progress made, what had been completed, and the areas the contractor was still addressing.What is completeThe canopy, one of the areas where the contractor had spent significant time, is done and uniformly coloured.The contractor extended the canopy to cover both the lower and upper decks, unlike the previous one, which largely cushioned the VIP area.Floodgates have been installed at the edge of the roofing steel across the stadium.The CAF inspection team has already expressed their satisfaction with the standard of the floodlights, which must have a minimum horizontal illuminance of 1200 – 2000 lux that ensures uniform lighting across the pitch.Additionally, CAF demands that the floodlights have a power backup system specifically for illuminating the stadium.Seats across the stands have been installed, with the contractor seeking to work on the Presidential box, VVIP section, and media tribune.Seats in the regular section have a backrest but are not foldable.The VIP seats cover sections of gates 1, 2, and 24. The seats are foldable and appear more comfortable as compared to those in the regular section.Workers host party inside Talanta Sports City Stadium [PHOTOS]The changing rooms for both players are also complete.The rooms should have a minimum of 25 seats and five locker rooms as per CAF requirements.For a facility to be fit to host tournaments, it should have at least four player changing rooms, two for match officials, and at least one designated for ball boys in line with the requirements.Kshs1.2 billion valued Harambee Stars prospect backed to replace Man City-bound star at WolvesKasarani has six player changing rooms; two for match officials, one for ball boys, and an additional two that may be used on a need basis.Signages meant to communicate and facilitate direction as required by safety standards have already been placed in various areas of the stadium.For environmental and aesthetic purposes, flowers planted on the outer side of the stadium are mature and provide a beautiful experience.What is not complete##NAJAVA_MECA_8972756##Despite the hard work and ground covered, the stadium is not fully ready and approved by CAF.The playing surface is far from ticking the box set by CAF, with some patches not fully covered.According to CAF, the field of play must be smooth.Two major updates from construction of Talanta Stadium [VIDEO]The length must be a minimum of 100m and a maximum of 110m, while the width must be a minimum of 64m and a maximum of 85m.The grass height must be between 20-30 mm.The media tribune is also incomplete, as the tables are not yet finished, while the seats and power cables are not yet installed.The television screens are also not yet installed, although the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, indicated that they will be up before the start of the tournament.
