The Confederation of African Football (Caf) chairman Issa Hayatou has hailed Rwanda for its efforts in preparing venues which will host the 2016 Chan tournament, according to local football federation chief Vincent Nzamwita. 

Nzamwita who attended the Chan Organising committee organised by Caf over the weekend in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said that Hayatou praised Rwanda’s work rate in preparation for the continental showpiece and urged the administrators to keep the momentum and good work.

Nzamwita said, "Hayatou acknowledged Rwanda for being on the right track in preparations to host the tournament. We are glad for this recognition and this will motivate us to work harder and ensure that the needed requirements are fulfilled before the event gets underway in January, 2016,”

"He (Hayatou) told us that though Rwanda has infrastructure and facilities in place, they need to be upgraded and improved for the 16-team Chan tournament to take place,” Nzamwita added.

Amahoro stadium, Kigali Regional Stadium and Rubavu Stadium will be upgraded before the end of this year while Huye Stadium which is now under construction will be ready before the Caf team embarks on a visit to Rwanda.

Chan, a tournament designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic leagues has since been held in Cote d’Ivoire (2009), Sudan (2011) and South Africa (2014).

peter.kamasa@newtimes.co.rw