Alex Mwakideu calls for Kenya–Tanzania friendly matches after CHAN exit
By Paulette Mboga, August 25, 2025Radio personality Alex Mwakideu has called on football authorities in Kenya and Tanzania to organise friendly matches between the two countries following their early exits from the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
According to him, the fans’ passion for football should not die down simply because their national teams were eliminated.
Mwakideu, speaking passionately in a radio show on Monday, August 25, 2025, said the idea for a Kenya–Tanzania double fixture has come not only from him but also from football supporters on both sides.
He explained that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) should seize the opportunity to keep the regional football spirit alive by organising two matches, one at Kasarani Stadium and another at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Call from fans
“Mpira wito umetolewa na ndugu zetu kutoka Tanzania na sisi wenyewe kama Wakenya. Ni wito umetolewa kwa FKF na TFF,” Mwakideu said. “CHAN ikiisha tu hivi, tuwe na game mbili. Home and away. Uwanja wa Kasarani na Uwanja wa Benjamin Mkapa.”
He added that the exits of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from CHAN had sparked conversations among fans on how best to keep regional football exciting.
Many believe that organising such matches would not only provide entertainment but also help rebuild camaraderie among East African football supporters.
“Mafans wote wamesema Kenya nje, Uganda nje, Tanzania nje. All the host countries zimetolewa kwa CHAN. Tupange na shirikisho za Kenya na Tanzania, tuwe na game mbili, home and away. Tumalize hii na turudi kupendana na tumalize hii tamaa. Maana yake tunatamaniana kimpira,” Mwakideu stressed.
Strengthening regional bonds
If the proposal is taken seriously, the matches would serve as more than just friendlies; they would be an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two nations through sport.
Football has long been a connector across East Africa, and such a fixture could reignite fan enthusiasm and restore pride after CHAN disappointment.
For now, the decision lies with FKF and TFF to see if they will honour the call from fans and voices like Mwakideu. What is clear is that the appetite for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania football action is alive and strong.