29-year old referee to handle Harambee vs DR Congo CHAN game
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 03.08.25. | 12:54
He has previously overseen several high-profile fixtures, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and is regarded as one of Africa’s most promising young match officials
South African Jelly Alfred Chavani has been appointed as the centre referee for Harambee Stars’ opening match at the CHAN PAMOJA 2024, set for this afternoon at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
At just 29 years old, Chavani is a CAF and FIFA-accredited referee with a growing reputation across the continent.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
He has previously overseen several high-profile fixtures, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and is regarded as one of Africa’s most promising young match officials.
Chavani will be supported by an experienced international officiating team:
First Assistant Referee: Soulaimaine Amaldine (Mauritius)
Second Assistant Referee: Joel Wonka Doe (Liberia)
Fourth Official: Pitalazar Boukari (Mauritius)
VAR Official: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
Assistant VAR: Maria Ribet (Mauritania)
Kenya is set to make its long-awaited debut in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) this afternoon, finally stepping onto the continental stage 15 years after the tournament’s inception.
The 2024 edition, dubbed CHAN Pamoja, is the first to be co-hosted by three nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Anticipation has reached fever pitch. Tickets for today’s Group A clash against DR Congo sold out a week in advance, with the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, expected to be awash in a sea of red, black, and green as fans rally behind the Harambee Stars.
But while the moment is historic, the task ahead is daunting. Kenya enters the match as underdogs, having had minimal preparation.
Their warm-up games included a run-out against a Kariobangi Sharks legends side and a weakened Kenya Police FC, hardly ideal preparation for a team about to face a seasoned CHAN powerhouse like DR Congo.
Most of the Kenyan squad will be tasting continental competition for the first time, and the lack of international exposure could prove telling. DR Congo.
In contrast, are two-time CHAN champions and bring depth, experience, and pedigree to the table.
Still, there is hope. The atmosphere at Kasarani promises to be electric, and head coach Benni McCarthy will be counting on the home crowd to lift his young squad and fuel a spirited performance.
Meanwhile, the tournament kicked off in Tanzania on Saturday, where the hosts stunned Burkina Faso 2-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to take early control of Group B.
