Caf rejects Kenya’s 2019 Afcon bid
PHOTO MARTIN MUKANGU Harambee Stars fans cheer during the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup semifinal against Tanzania at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on December 10, 2013. The Confederation of African football (Caf) has rejected Kenya’s belated bid to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
What you need to know:
- Kenya had over the weekend approached Caf in the hope of being included alongside Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivorie, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Algeria and Guinea, who submitted their bids to the continental body before the November 25, 2013 deadline.
- Francis Gaitho, a football analysis expert attached to a FIFA/UEFA licensed Sport Global Agency Management (SGM), believes the government was misadvised to support a late bid.
The Confederation of African football (Caf) has rejected Kenya’s belated bid to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya had over the weekend approached Caf in the hope of being included alongside Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivorie, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Algeria and Guinea, who submitted their bids to the continental body before the November 25, 2013 deadline.
Not even a letter from the government, dated January 29, and signed by Principal Secretary for Sports, Culture and Arts Patrick Omutia, in support of Kenya’s bid could alter Caf’s decision, that was made after an executive meeting in Cape Town, South Africa on January 24, to shortlist the above mentioned six countries.
“So be it. Bidding for a tournament is like playing a game. You can either win or lose. We should however learn our lessons, try and do things in good time and within the mandated time frame in future” Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch said, when contacted by the Daily Nation.
Francis Gaitho, a football analysis expert attached to a FIFA/UEFA licensed Sport Global Agency Management (SGM), believes the government was misadvised to support a late bid.
“That government letter looked hurriedly done, yet a bid presentation needs to be professional and harmonized between the Ministry of Sports, State agencies and other players. This notwithstanding the fact that the letter was well after the expiry of the deadline bid.” Gaitho said.
