FIFA World Cup trophy arrives in Kenya

16 Nov 2009

NAIROBI: The Coca-Cola and FIFA World Cup Trophy has arrived in Kenya, where it was received by President Mwai Kibaki in the capital, Nairobi.

Speaking after unveiling and receiving the trophy at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, President Kibaki said the arrival of the trophy was a historic moment which heralded great things to come in the promotion and development of sports in the country.

"Winning the World Cup trophy is every footballer's dream and its arrival in Kenya is an opportunity to reconnect with one's soccer ambitions and to appreciate that dreams can come true," he said.

The president urged young upcoming football stars and the national team, the Harambee Stars, to dream big so that Kenya can take its rightful place as a great football nation.

President Kibaki disclosed that the government had formed a committee to work on the modalities of inviting teams which have qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa to train in Kenya before going to South Africa.

The president pointed out that Kenya, which has an excellent communication network, was easy to access from any part of the world and is only a few hours away from South Africa by air.

"I therefore, encourage teams qualifying for the World Cup to take advantage of Kenya's strategic location, excellent climate, sports facilities of international standards, hospitality as well as great tourism sites, and train in the country on their way to the World Cup," he added.

President Kibaki said the tournament, which would be held for the first time in Africa, provided Kenya with an opportunity to benefit from the large number of teams and fans who would be travelling to South Africa.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour sponsored by Coca-Cola is undertaking an epic journey through Africa that commenced in Egypt about two months ago.

The Trophy Tour, which will cover 53 African countries during a 70-day trip, will allow thousands of fans to enjoy a rare close-up view of the FIFA World Cup trophy.

The trophy is expected to arrive in South Africa in December just before the 2010 Final Draw event in Cape Town.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews