Buzz as Chan trophy lands at Standard Group
Sports
By
Robert Abong’o and Molly Chebet
| Aug 28, 2025
The African Nations Championship (Chan 2024) frenzy hit feverpitch at the Standard Group headquarters on Wednesday, as journalists and staff had a rare opportunity to experience the newly designed trophy up close during its media tour.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are jointly co-hosting the Chan 2024 tournament, a first-of-its-kind in East Africa. The home teams impressed by topping their respective groups, although they did not make it past the quarter-finals.
Harambee Stars gave fans a memorable ride, shocking Morocco, beating DR Congo, holding Angola, and edging Zambia before bowing out on post-match penalties to Madagascar.
The trophy, sleek and outstanding in design, was presented at the Mombasa Road offices by former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama and Tanzania’s Mrisho Ngasa, ambassadors of the tournament.
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Standard Group PLC CEO Chaacha Mwita received the delegation. “Standard Group is the home of sports. I have a long history and a deeper association with this trophy. My father-in-law the late Sammy Obingo was the president of KFF. He would really have wanted to be here to see this trophy and the competition,” said Mwita.
Mwita also reiterated that Standard Group had earlier obtained exclusive rights to broadcast the 2025/26 English Premier League (EPL) on Radio Maisha, Spice FM and Berur FM. “Do not forget we have exclusive rights to broadcast EPL matches on our radio platforms and media channels,” he said.
Football heroes
The trophy’s arrival, transported under tight security, sparked excitement among staff, as most showed up in colourful football jerseys. From Harambee Stars kits to those representing EPL clubs, staff were eager to take pictures with their football heroes and the iconic piece of silverware. Guarded by armed officers, the trophy was enclosed in a heavily-monitored black case resembling a disc jockey’s box.
Wanyama, dressed casually in a white t-shirt, smiled warmly while interacting with staff, as he carried the trophy from the parking lot to the KTN studios. “Mine is to thank you guys for inviting us,” said the former Tottenham and Southampton player.
Ngasa humbly stood by Wanyama as he addressed excited staff. Dressed in a white checked shirt, the Tanzania international mingled with fans too as the trophy was being presented.
Wanyama urged fans to show up for the final and other local league matches, just as they have been turning up in large numbers for the national team. “Fans have played a big part in this tournament. They have been great motivation for the Harambee Stars,” he said.
With Chan already attracting scouts worldwide, Wanyama also asked sponsors to rally behind local clubs. “With the local leagues starting up soon, fans should also show up and give their support. I urge sponsors to support the local league so that we attract players from outside,” he urged.
Ngasa steered clear of the current Kenya-Tanzania football banter and congratulated the finalists for working hard to get there.
The trophy will fall in the hands of either the Barea or the Atlas Lions, as they square off in the final on Saturday, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium.