Security measures have been beefed up at Nyayo National Stadium ahead of a frantic FIFA World Cup qualifier clash pitting Harambee Stars and the Panthers of Gabon this Sunday from 4PM.
Harambee Stars jetted back to the country on Friday morning after staging a dramatic comeback to force a 3-3 draw as they salvaged a point against Gambia in a thrilling Group F match on Thursday night.
And in order to get their qualification ambitions back on the track, Stars are in a must-win situation against Gabon, who walloped winless Seychelles 3-0 on Thursday night to take charge of the group on 12 points, six above Benni McCarthy coached Kenya.
In a media brief on Friday, Langata Deputy OCPD Christopher Meme said they had deployed a contingent of security personnel, who will be tasked with manning crowds, controlling traffic in and around the stadium, and ensuring safety of the premises among other key measures.
“We have enough personnel to deploy on that day. We are going to make sure that every system is set for the day and with that I want to believe that we shall have a very successful match and we shall endeavour to see to it because security is paramount at this event.”
On his part, FKF CEO Harold Ndege reiterated that only persons in possession of the game’s tickets will be allowed entry into the stadium.
According to Ndege, this is in part of the federation’s motive to ensure that ticketing becomes a big component that the federation will require in order to perform its agenda.
“We urge the fans to continue supporting Kenyan football through the ticketing. FKF is in a position whereby all the resources are important and we have to focus on how we can be able to tap into those resources for us to further the agenda of football.
“One of the ways we can further that agenda is the ticketing method of allowing fans into the stadiums so we believe that each and every person will have to do their part with regards to ticketing whether it is the regular, VIP or VVIP seats,” he said.
The tickets are going for Ksh. 10,000 for the VVIPs, Ksh. 1000 for VIP and Ksh. 300 for the terraces, and Ndege has urged Kenyans to throng Nyayo as Harambee Stars make a comeback to the storied stadium for the first time in four years.
“I`d like to reiterate to the public that no ticket no entry please. I call upon all the football fans to support Kenyan football, the only way Kenyan football will be able to grow is when each and every stakeholder supports the game.”
