Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has announced that Kenya will host the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in June 2025, positioning the regional tournament as a key preparatory event for the rescheduled 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set for August 2025.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsAppearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Regional Integration on 24 April, Mwangi confirmed the June tournament will serve as a full-dress rehearsal for CHAN.The meeting, chaired by Nominated Member of Parliament Irene Mayaka at Bunge Towers in Nairobi, focused on Kenya’s readiness to co-host CHAN 2025 alongside Uganda and Tanzania and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).##NAJAVA_MECA_8877559##“CECAFA, CHAN’s continental counterpart, is proposed for 1- 21 June. As a regional tournament endorsed by the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), it’s designed to act as a full-scale test for the CHAN 2025 event,” Mwangi stated.He further stressed the importance of the June competition in testing key operational areas.“It will provide a real-time opportunity to assess our infrastructure, fan engagement, logistics, and overall readiness. The Local Organizing Committee is working closely with CAF to ensure all international hosting standards are met,” he added.The proposal for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to jointly host the CECAFA Cup as a trial run was first floated during the CECAFA Ordinary General Assembly in Juba, South Sudan, on 22 January.Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania plan CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup as CHAN warm-upNicholas Musonye, Chair of Kenya’s National Steering Committee for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, had previously hinted at the idea. “During the CECAFA Congress in Juba last week, the three Local Organising Committees met on the sidelines and suggested we plan to host the CECAFA Challenge Cup in May or June,” he said.CECAFA Executive Director Auka Gecheo confirmed that the proposal was under consideration.“It was tabled but not resolved. The CECAFA Secretariat was tasked with reviewing the modalities and is expected to provide feedback within two weeks,” Gecheo stated.If approved, it will mark the first time in the tournament’s nearly century-long history that it will be hosted across multiple countries.Established in 1926 as the Gossage Cup, the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup is Africa’s oldest football tournament.The last edition was held in 2021 in Ethiopia, featuring primarily under-23 players with a few overage participants.Originally scheduled for September 2024, CHAN was postponed twice—first to February 2025 and then to August—to allow the host nations more time for preparation.World Cup ticket at stake as Junior Starlets take on Cameroon in final qualifier roundCAF President Patrice Motsepe noted that the delay was necessary for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to upgrade their facilities to meet continental standards.Kenya has already begun testing its infrastructure. The national team, Harambee Stars, hosted Gabon in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium.The iconic venue also recently staged the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, as well as the Junior Starlets’ clash against Cameroon.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877375##Meanwhile, the renovation of Kasarani Stadium is expected to be completed by May, with the return leg of the Mashemeji Derby likely to be played at the 60,000-seater facility.
