South African Fans Question Kenya’s Readiness to Host 2027 AFCON After JKIA Video

South African football fans have turned their attention to the condition of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), after a video showing Bafana Bafana players arriving in Nairobi sparked online criticism over the country’s infrastructure.

The footage, which circulated on social media on Saturday, November 14, showed the South African squad arriving at the airport ahead of their return match against Harambee Stars.

Instead of focusing on the players, several South African users highlighted cracks and damaged sections of the tarmac, questioning whether Kenya was ready to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

One user, @Mr_LiverpoolX, questioned the state of the airport and Kenya’s preparations for the continental tournament.

“What kind of airport that has potholes? Are these people really gonna host the AFCON next year?” the user wrote.

Other South African fans joined the discussion, with some comparing Kenya’s airport facilities to those in their country.

The criticism also attracted reactions from Kenyans, some of whom acknowledged that the footage exposed problems with the airport’s infrastructure.

The debate comes at a time when Kenya is preparing to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania, with questions continuing over the readiness of facilities expected to serve visiting teams and supporters.

JKIA has faced longstanding concerns over ageing infrastructure and the need for extensive renovations.

The government’s earlier plan to upgrade the airport through a proposed public-private partnership with India’s Adani Group was cancelled in 2024 following public opposition and legal challenges.

Authorities have since been working on alternative plans to modernise the facility.

President William Ruto recently announced a KSh154 billion infrastructure project aimed at improving JKIA, including the development of a new passenger terminal.

The airport’s condition has remained a subject of public debate as Kenya prepares for the tournament.

The South African squad arrived in Nairobi following the first leg of their AFCON qualifier against Harambee Stars, which ended in a 2-2 draw in Johannesburg on Friday, November 13.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, November 17, with Kenya continuing preparations for the upcoming continental competition.

LINK: https://www.tuko.co.ke/world/africa/646812-south-african-mocks-jkia-harambee-stars-clash-2027-afcon-airport-potholes/

Empire News feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com