When the 12th player gets unleashed, it becomes Fan Fare and such is the case as the Cranes play Kenya

By Daniels N. Tatya

Word from the continent’s football governing body, Confederation of African Football (CAF) is that the soccer governors have, with measures to be followed, lifted the ban on fans in stadia across the continent.

The measures to be followed here are strict health guidelines that must be complied with by the seeking member federations without fail as CAF continues to help keep the fans safe, normal and free from the Covid-19 pandemic that effected lock downs whose effects the sports World wasn’t spared.

If Uganda complies therefore, then it’s going to be a fan fare filled game as Cranes host Kenya Harambee Stars today Thursday 11th November 2021 at ST. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

In a letter dated November 1st, CAF clearly indicated that any member who wishes to admit fans into the stadium should first of all be able to accommodate them.

Today Thursday, November 11, Uganda will host Kenya in a crucial World Cup qualification match and FUFA will be required to meet a number of guidelines to allow fans into the St. Mary’s Stadium at Kitende.

One of the key requirements include the stadium being already approved by CAF and a letter from local health authorities giving the green light to fans in stadia. 

“The member should have presented to CAF a letter from the local health authorities of the venue planned for the match confirming that the presence of supporters is authorized and up to what number,” the letter from CAF partly read.

For Uganda’s case, FUFA has to send evidence to CAF that all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the FIFA/CAF Covid-19 match protocol have been taken. Plus, the Federation must have also appointed a National Safety and Security Officer (NSSO) for the organization of the match, as indicated on the CAF letter.

Cranes’ fans will particularly be elated to learn that they can access the St Mary’s Stadium Kitende on Thursday to watch and support the Uganda Cranes against Kenya.

It has been a long forgotten experience since fans were indefinitely banned from stadia across the continent following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 to curb the surge in cases.

Meanwhile, up to 20 CAF member associations are still without CAF approved venues, including Mali that will host Uganda in Guinea, not Morocco on Monday, November 15.