The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy has arrived in East Africa, symbolizing the region’s emergence onto the African football scene. For the first time, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are co-hosting a major continental tournament, with the final scheduled to take place at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Saturday.
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama, who is serving as a trophy ambassador, highlighted the significance of hosting CHAN in the region. “This trophy is a beauty, and having it here in East Africa is very special,” Wanyama said. “Hosting CHAN will go a long way in improving the quality of football in this region, helping us get to the levels of the North and the South.” He also emphasized the importance of CHAN as a platform for home-based players to showcase their skills without having to leave their domestic leagues.
The trophy’s arrival in East Africa is part of an official tour designed to generate excitement ahead of the final. The tour includes stops at major media houses, where fans can see the trophy and learn more about the tournament. On Tuesday, the trophy was showcased on Nation Television (NTV), one of the country’s biggest football programs.
The CHAN tournament provides a rare opportunity for homegrown talent to shine on a big stage. By hosting the tournament, East Africa is demonstrating its readiness to compete and host major football events. The region has historically been overlooked in African football, but the symbolism of hosting CHAN is powerful. It marks a significant step forward for East African football and provides a platform for local players to gain exposure and improve their skills.
The tournament’s final will take place on Saturday, where one of the continent’s rising teams will be crowned champion. The event is expected to inspire young players and fans across the region, and its impact will be felt long after the tournament is over. With the trophy tour continuing this week, excitement is building ahead of the final, and fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see the trophy and cheer on their favorite teams.
