The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has a set of stadium regulations that must be met in order to host various tournaments or serve as training facilities. In this third and last part, we look at the standards set by the continental football governing body on training grounds.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsKenya alongside neighbours; Uganda and Tanzania won the rights to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as well as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.The rights tagged along with the burden of improving the facilities that the three countries presented as designated venues for the matches. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8986461##Consequently, Kenya embarked on the upgrading of the Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, the two main venues Nairobi presented to CAF as host venues for CHAN matches. Additionally, the country embarked on upgrading and renovations at; Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Kenya Police Sacco Stadium, Kasarani Annex and Kirigiti Stadium all of which were presented as training venues. Mozzart Sport takes a look at irreducible minimums the training grounds must meet in order to be approved by CAF.Why CAF stripped Kenya rights to host CHAN Group D matchesJust like the field of play used for competitive matches, the training facilities must have a smooth and level playing field equipped with either a natural grass, hybrid or artificial turf containing only the lines and markings for football.Sports Kenya opted for natural grass across all the training grounds. The training ground must have a minimum length of 100m and a maximum of 110m while the width must measure 64m on the lower side and a maximum of 75m.The height of the grass must be between 20-30 mm, with the field expected to have a drainage system that prevents flooding making it playable in the event the heavens open up. Further, the field of play must be equipped with a water sprinkler system to maintain optimal playing conditions and ensure consistent moisture levels for growth of healthy grass, prevent dry patches and create a safe and suitable surface.The facilities must also have two movable goals to allow teams to customize their training as they wish.Outside the playing field, the training facilities must have a bench area equipped with at least 20 seats to be used by reserve players and team officials.Ayiro urges Harambee Stars to make history at home as Kenya lands CHAN 2024 final hosting rightsThe sites must also have floodlights with a minimum capacity of 500 LUX to allow night training.At least one dressing room equipped with a minimum of 23 seats and lockers for the training team is a must. The dressing room must have a minimum of five showers, three toilets, three sinks and three urinals.On this aspect, all the Kenyan training grounds have complied with all of them, as the venues have a minimum of two fully equipped dressing rooms.There should also be secured fencing around the training site,secured entrance and exit for controlled access.Currently, only Ulinzi Sports Complex has received the green light from CAF to be used as a training facility after it met all the minimum requirements.The military-owned facility has also received certification to host category 1 and category 2 CAF Competitions.FKF hands lifetime ban to referee caught leading Kibera goons in CBD protest attackCategory 1 competition include the Women’s Youth FIFA competitions Qualifiers and Women Champions League Qualifiers.Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers, Men’s U 17/ U 20/ U 23 AFCON qualifiers and final tournaments, Men’s Champions League preliminary round and Men’s Confederation Cup preliminary round form part of category 2 of CAF Competitions.Modern dressing rooms and floodlights wre highlited as the areas of concern and remaining parts of Kasarani Annex and Police Sacco Stadium. However, CAF is reportedly happy with the playing surfaces at the two venues. Clinton Kinanga reflects on Police climb from NSL to FKFPL championsKirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County is still lagging behind, with latest photos showing that the planting of grass begun about two weeks ago.All these facilities are expected to be handed over to the Ministry of Sports by the respective contractors not later than Monday 30 June.
