Harambee Stars players during a past training session (Photo/standard digital)
Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup matches that were to be played at the Kisumu County Stadium have been shifted to the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos in what the Football Kenya Federation (FKF)has termed as unfavorable political situation.This is according to Barry Otieno, FKF’s Communications and Public Relations Manager.“In light of the political situation in the country at the moment there have been concerns from visiting teams to play in Kisumu. As a result CECAFA and FKF have made a decision to have the tournament kickoff in other areas as we monitor the situation in Kisumu," said Otieno."In light of the aforementioned, kindly plan with Machakos and Kakamega, with Kisumu in mind," he added.Among other issues that may have attributed to the changes include the disagreement within the football ranks and also the differences between the County Government of Kisumu and the federation.However, earlier on the Kisumu County Government had committed to hosting the teams during the tournament as well as catering for their local transport costs.But it is yet to be established were things went wrong.In the meantime, Thika United midfielder has been welcomed to the Harambee Stars squad in the forthcoming Challenge Cup.Meanwhile, Thika United midfielder Said Tsuma has been called up to the Harambee Stars squad ahead of the Challenge Cup.The one Tsuma is set to take the position of Gor Mahia’s Kenneth Muguna who has been ruled out due to injury.