Preparation for the upcoming Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup began in earnest as this year's hosts Football Kenya Federation launched the first meeting for the Local Organizing Committee.
The inaugural LOC meeting was chaired by FKF president, Sam Nyamweya and attended by Cecafa secretary general, Nicholas Musonye, Senator Mike Mbuvi in his capacity as the Nairobi County Senator and representing Governor Evans Kidero as well Gabriel Komora, the Sports Stadia CEO among other members.
The tournament is set to kick off on November 27 to November 12 at four venues thus --Nairobi, Kisumu, Mumias, Nakuru. Mombasa Municipal Stadium will be added to the list if renovations at the facility will be completed in time.
"We are ready to host one of the best ever tournaments and therefore federation is working very closely with Fifa, Cecafa, CAF and government to ensure it's a success," said Nyamweya.
"We are also excited that the CAF President Issa Hayatou has accepted to grace the tournament and we expect other important football personalities to also attend," he added.
The 12 council members have confirmed participation. Two countries among-- Malawi, Zambia and Cote d' Ivoire will be invited as guest teams.
Nyamweya said the opening ceremony of the tournament will coincide with the country's leg of the Fifa 2014 World Cup Trophy worldwide tour.
Musonye, the Cecafa secretary general, lauded the federation for launching LOC in good time.
"We are proud that the tournament is back home and the member countries are excited to be in Kenya. The government commitment is
Important and we are assured of a full house. We shall also work together to showcase Kenya's hospitality," remarked Musonye.
Nairobi Senator, Mbuvi promised to lobby the National Government as well as the County government for maximum support to ensure the success of the Kenya@50 celebrations.
The tournament will also be covered live courtesy of SuperSports, who will beam the matches across the African continent while partnering with KBC as the host broadcaster. It will be the first time since 2009 that Kenya will be hosting the regional showpiece.
Uganda are the defending champions having beaten Kenya in the final in Kampala last year.
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