Flames get VIP treatment in Kenya
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has said security will be heightened during Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier between Harambee Stars and the Flames at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) in Kasarani.
This follows a suspected bomb attack in downtown Nairobi on Monday that injured 36 people.
Meanwhile, the Flames were accorded VIP treatment on arrival in the Kenya’s capital Nairobi on Wednesday. They are camping at Villa Karen which is reserved for high-profile guests such as ministers and diplomats where security has been tightened.
FKF head of security Shadrack Maluki was on Thursday quoted by Kenya’s Daily Nation as saying: “Fans and Kenyans in general should expect to see security like they have never seen before.
“We want Kenyans to come for the match knowing there is security. I want to assure them that all measures to ensure their safety has been put in place,” said Maluki.
Tight security
He said the match organisers were working closely with the police, including the anti-terrorist section, to mount a thorough security operation for the match.
In a telephone interview from Nairobi on Thursday, FAM executive member James Mwenda, who is leading the Flames delegation, said the Flames were accorded a warm welcome by the host FA.
“Honestly, we cannot complain on the reception. We have been well received by our hosts,” said Mwenda.
He also said the team was offered a good training pitch at Cooperative College of Kenya Thursday morning and they were expected to switch to Nyayo National Stadium in the afternoon.
It is reported that Fifa will be watching the match with interest because of previous security lapses during international matches.
The world football governing body fined Kenya about 1.2 million shillings (about K3.5 million) for a security breach during the World Cup pre-qualifier between Kenya and the Seychelles at the Nyayo National Stadium on November 15 last year.
Fans from the terraces jumped over the fence to gain access to the VIP area. FKF was warned of a ban or docking of points should another security lapse occur.
MISC last hosted an international football match on November 14 2009, when Kenya lost 3-2 to Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier.
Stand-in-captain
Meanwhile, Flames coach Kinnah Phiri and stand-in-captain Moses Chavula yesterday said they have intensified their preparations for tomorrow’s game.
Kinnah said the Flames’ approach will be to attack while being cautious at the back.
“We are playing away, so definitely we will have to be cautious in our approach. All the same, we will attack because we need to score first to unsettle them,” said Kinnah.
He also said so far, the Flames have no injuries.
Chavula said all the players are in the right frame of mind.
“We are all relaxed and looking forward to the game. The confidence in camp is very high,” said Chavula.
