The African Nations Championship (CHAN) Local Organising Committee (LOC) has dismissed claims of ticket hoarding ahead of Harambee Stars opening match against Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s Leopards at the Moi International Sports Stadium, Kasarani on Sunday.
Speaking on Monday morning, LOC chairman Nicholas Musonye, said the ticket sales were under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and that they were open to the market.
“The issue of hoarding tickets was not there. The Harambee Stars vs DRC tickets were open to the market, and they were sold by CAF, not us. This is a CAF competition, so those who went first got their tickets,” Musonye stated.
He noted that the sitting capacity of Kasarani Stadium was reduced to 48,000 during renovations ahead of the tournament, adding that CAF did not sell all the tickets for security reasons.
Musonye revealed that during the match, the stadium was between 85 and 90 per cent full, with 46,000 tickets having been sold.
“Kasarani is no longer the 60,000-seater it used to be because the new configuration has been done; it has come to about 48,000. So, even when you are selling tickets, you must be very consistent. Not to sell to the limit of 60,000, which it used to be. The stadium was occupied at about 85 to 90 percent full because we also need to think of the security of our people. If the stadium is holding 48,000 people, we can’t sell all 48,000 tickets; we must give an allowance for breathing space. As of Saturday evening, CAF had sold about 46,000 tickets,” he added.
The clarification by Musonye comes after netizens claimed that there was ticket hoarding for the Kenya opening match by politicians with others alleging the intention was to avoid anti-government chants during the match.
Among those who raised concerns was Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who, in a statement on Sunday, claimed that the bulk buying of tickets denied genuine fans an opportunity to enjoy the match between Kenya and the DRC.
“Football is a universal language that brings people together, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or political affiliation. Thus, this regime’s wholesale ticket buying, which denies genuine football fans the opportunity to see their Harambee Stars,” Kalonzo stated.
He promised to give 500 tickets to fans for the next three games featuring Harambee Stars at Kasarani through the Kenya Football Fans Federation (KEFOFA), of which he is the patron.
Harambee Stars secured a 1-0 win over DRC in the match after Austin Odhiambo scored in the final minutes of the first half.
The Benni McCarthy-headed team will on Thursday face Angola before facing Morocco on Sunday . It will close the group stage matches mid-month with Zambia.
