By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has rallied the city’s residents to turn up in large numbers to watch the matches and cheer our national team Rising Stars as the CECAFA U18 Boys tournament kicks off on Saturday.
Kenya will play the opening game against Sudan while Somalia will battle it out with Rwanda in the other game at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu.
The tournament will end on December 8. Kisumu is co-hosting the tournament with Kakamega.
“This is exciting news and a great honour to the City of Kisumu, which is no doubt the headquarters of football in the region, having produced many local and international football stars. This is the first international tournament being held in Kisumu in many years,” said the Governor.
The Governor thanked the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, the CECAFA governing Council and the Football Kenya Federation for choosing Kisumu to host this great tournament.
“This honour to host the CECAFA Under 18 tournament comes at a time when we are also angling to be one of the hosts for the Africa Champions (AFCON) next year. I wish to take this opportunity to welcome to Kisumu all the teams participating in this tournament and their officials,” he added.
Nyong’o added that Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium is ready to host the two week tournament.
He added that he will grace Saturday’s matches with Namwamba.
“I also wish to assure all our guests that Kisumu is safe and their security is guaranteed.I appeal to the people of Kisumu to accord a friendly welcome to all the visitors
He said most of the teams have arrived and more are expected on Friday.
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