Head coach Engin Firat has tipped Harambee Stars to clinch the African Nations Championship (Chan) title when Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania stage the tournament on February 1-28, 2025.
In an interview, Firat said the competition will provide an appropriate platform for Kenya to leverage to gauge their preparedness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
His statement came a day after the CAF Executive Committee, sitting in Nairobi, confirmed the dates for the second-tier continental contest.
"It's one of the tournaments we look forward to. We are among the three hosts and are eager to make an impression. We can't afford to let the country down," Firat said.
The Turkish gaffer said they plan to leverage on the huge fanbase in Nairobi after hosting home fixtures outside the country due to lack of standard facilities.
"What's even more exciting is that we shall be playing at home after a long time. It has been long since our fans saw us live in action at home. We'll take advantage of their huge support to propel ourselves to good results," he added.
Stars will be eager to wrestle the title from Senegal, who defeated Algeria two years ago in Algiers.
The first round of qualifiers will run between October 25 and 27 but the three East African nations have qualified as hosts.
The tournament is meant for players who feature in the domestic leagues of the 19 countries to be involved.
This is the third time that the Cecafa region is hosting the tournament after Sudan in 2011 and Rwanda in 2016.
On Sunday, Caf president Patrice Motsepe inspected Kenyan venues earmarked for the tournament.
He expressed confidence President William Ruto would keep his word to get the facilities ready for the showpiece.
"I'm deeply grateful and very proud of the exceptional step that President William Ruto is providing concerning football and I'm confident that with all of us working together, we will make African football among the best in the world," he said.
Moi Stadium, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium are already undergoing a facelift while the new 60,000-seater Talanta City Stadium in Nairobi is heading towards completion.
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen promised to deliver some of the facilities by the end of the year.
"I can assure you that we will be ready as Kenya and East Africa. We will support Caf to ensure the tournament is successful," he said.
Murkomen spoke on Sunday when Motsepe toured the stadia.
President Ruto said hosting Chan 2025 and Afcon 2027 will be a milestone for Kenya.
“I speak frequently with President Patrice Motsepe and we discuss progress and much more. I also have conversations with President Samia and President Museveni and we are all aligned to ensure both events are successful,” he said.
