Grant, who guided Chelsea to League Cup and UEFA Champions League final places in 2008, has been left amazed by the atmosphere, hospitality and level of infrastructure he saw in Nairobi during the ongoing CHAN 2024.
Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant has heaped praise on Kenya at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championships, being impressed by the advanced infrastructure that allowed teams to enjoy a warm stay at the ongoing tournament.
Grant, who now manages Zambia, saw his team unfortunately finish bottom of Group A, losing to DR Congo, Angola, Morocco and Kenya last Sunday.
His main priority for the tournament was always to see which local-based players would have the potential to make the step up to the first team, rather than just win the tournament.
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Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, is co-hosting the biennial continental showpiece. In Nairobi, both Kasarani and Nyayo Stadia have been in use, supported by high-quality hotels and improved transport systems — elements that left the experienced tactician impressed.
“I think CHAN is a good tournament, and good work to Kenya. The hosts were very good. The pitches were good and the hotels were good.
“From what I saw, the preparations by the Kenyan side were good,” said Grant, who guided Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final.
Grant revealed he had anticipated a difficult campaign, having brought a youthful squad with the aim of testing their readiness for the senior team.
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“We lost four games, and of course, we don’t like to lose — personally, I don’t like to lose. But I think we achieved our target, which was to see who is good enough for the national team and who is not.
“That is the main purpose of CHAN. All 25 players in the squad, including the three goalkeepers, got to play. For us, that’s a positive takeaway as we prepare for our main target, which is the senior national team.”
“We came here with a target, and even though we didn’t win or collect a single point, we got what we wanted: clarity on which players are ready for the national team. Now we know better.”
At his post-match press conference, Grant downplayed concerns that Zambia’s poor run could put his job at risk, pointing instead to the long-term plan.
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Former Chelsea Manager Praises Kenya’s ‘Top Class’ Facilities at CHAN 2024
Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani Stadium (Inset). Image || HANDOUT Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani Stadium (Inset). Image || HANDOUT
“We showed improvement today, especially defensively. In the other matches, we were even poorer, but we have shown good progress. It’s important to know we brought a squad we wanted to test, to see how they can fit in the senior team.
“I’m not worried about the future because this tournament is basically for testing and exposing players in the local leagues.
“We have FIFA windows coming up next, and that’s where our focus will be, with all the players playing abroad available for selection.”
Grant closed his remarks by thanking Kenya for its warm reception and seamless organization.
“I really thank Kenya for the hospitality and the warm reception. The atmosphere has been good. I wish you well as you enjoy the rest of the tournament.”