KENYA, Uganda, and Tanzania, the co-hosts of the 2024 CHAN, are planning to host the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in May or June as a preparatory event for the continental championship, which is scheduled for August.

The tournament, initially set for February, was postponed following recommendations from CAF's technical and infrastructure experts, who have been closely monitoring the preparations in the three host countries.

CAF experts emphasized the need for additional time to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities meet the required standards for the African Nations Championship. 

Consequently, the tournament’s new dates have been confirmed, with the competition now set to commence on August 2 and conclude on August 30.

The three East African nations are intensifying their efforts to prepare the necessary amenities, including stadiums, roads, and training grounds, which were the primary reasons for the initial postponement. 

Significant work is being undertaken to ensure that both the facilities and the teams are ready for the prestigious tournament.

In addition to the CHAN preparations, the three countries are considering hosting the long-neglected CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup before the continental event. 

Kenya’s local organizing committee head, Nicholas Musonye, revealed that the idea was proposed during the recent CECAFA Congress in Juba, with the secretariat tasked with assessing the feasibility of hosting the tournament, which has not been held for several years.

"During the CECAFA Congress in Juba recently, the three local organizing committees (for the 2024 CHAN) met on the sidelines and suggested that we plan to host the CECAFA Challenge Cup in May or June," Musonye said.

CECAFA general secretary Auka Gecheo confirmed this proposal and stated that the secretariat had been given two weeks to examine the hosting logistics.

"It was a proposal put on the table, but no resolution was made. It was agreed that CECAFA's Secretariat would assess the modalities and provide feedback in two weeks," said Gecheo.

If the tournament is held, Kenya will aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2017 when they hosted the tournament. 

The CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup would serve as an excellent platform for the participating nations to fine-tune their squads ahead of the highly anticipated CHAN tournament.