Ngassa, Wanyama trust CHAN drives local leagues growth

NAIROBI: EAST African football icons Mrisho Ngassa of Tanzania and Kenyan Victor Wanyama believe that CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 will have a transformative impact on domestic football across the region.

In a historic first, the monthlong tournament is being co-hosted by three East African nations — Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

As the competition nears its conclusion, the region is already witnessing early signs of football renaissance.

Uganda is set to stage the third-place playoff today, while the final is set for tomorrow evening at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Speaking during a trophy media tour in Nairobi that included visits to Citizen TV, KTN, Standard Group, Cape Media’s TV47 and Radio47, Ngassa and Wanyama, both serving as CHAN trophy ambassadors, said the tournament has reignited passion for the sport and shown the potential of local talent.

Unlike other CAF competitions, CHAN features only homebased players, giving domestic leagues a rare spotlight.

“East Africa has proven its quality; all three host nations reached the quarter-finals and showed great competitiveness,” said Ngassa.

“This experience will be invaluable for players returning to their clubs. It also sparks ambition among other players who now want to make it to the next CHAN.” He added that the tournament has instilled pride in local leagues and could be a catalyst for change.

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“Fans are starting to see the value of following domestic teams. This kind of high-stakes competition pushes everyone – players, coaches and club officials, to raise their standards.”

The tournament has drawn impressive crowds across all three host nations, with strong fan-turnout even for matches not involving the home teams.

“In Kenya, matches without the Harambee Stars still attracted significant attendance,” said Wanyama.

“This shows that CHAN has reignited love for the game regionally. When fans come out in numbers, it lifts players’ morale and helps elevate league standards. I hope this support continues after CHAN ends.”

Both legends praised the competitiveness of this year’s edition, noting that the group stage saw surprises and unpredictability.

“Kenya and Tanzania topped their groups, but it’s Morocco and Madagascar, both group runnersup, who made it to the final. It shows how tight and competitive the tournament has been,” added Ngassa.