Infantino Meets Ruto, Visits Talanta Stadium and Attends CHAN 2024 Final
In a significant moment for Kenyan football, FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with President William Ruto to discuss the future of the sport in the country. During this visit, Infantino received the title deeds for the land designated for the new national technical centre overseen by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) — a bold move supported by FIFA Forward funding aimed at revolutionizing football development in Kenya.
Historic Plan for Football Development
The new facility, planned for Machakos County, comes with an investment of USD 4.6 million. It will feature modern training amenities, including one natural grass pitch and two artificial turf pitches designed to support national teams. Infantino expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “The new technical centre will be a hub for the national teams of today, but also a beacon of hope for the Kenyan footballers of tomorrow.”
Preparing for Future Tournaments
Earlier in the day, Infantino, alongside CAF President Patrice Motsepe, held a press conference with CAF’s 54 member association presidents and toured the soon-to-be-completed Talanta Stadium. This venue, a flagship for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, symbolizes a renewed commitment to enhancing sporting infrastructure across the region.
Infantino lauded the successful co-hosting of the recently concluded 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and emphasized the importance of this collaboration among East African nations for the continent’s football growth.
A Thrilling Conclusion to CHAN 2024
The visit culminated in attendance at the thrilling CHAN 2024 final held at the Moi International Sports Centre, where Morocco triumphed over Madagascar. Infantino congratulated both teams, noting, “It was a great match, a great tournament, and a great final.” His praise extended to Kenya for hosting, reinforcing the belief that the nation’s football landscape is undergoing significant positive change.
With the groundwork now laid, the future of Kenyan football appears bright as it gears up for upcoming tournaments and initiatives aimed at uplifting local talent.
In conclusion, securing land for the technical centre marks just the beginning. Continued investment in infrastructure and youth development is crucial for realizing the ambition of a thriving football culture in Kenya. Football fans can take heart in this progress, urging further support for their national teams as Kenya’s football journey evolves.
