The prestigious CHAN 2014 Flag Raising Ceremony was graced by the ambassadors of the national teams who all looked honoured a triumphant as the flags of their countries were hoisted high up into the African skies.
This honourable event gave admiration to all the teams who against all odds and some thrilling qualifier encounters made it into the last 16 that will crown them as Africa’s Home Champions in 2014.
The 16 countries claiming their place in the quest to compete for the coveted CHAN trophy are Burkina Faso, Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe and the host nation South Africa.
An elated CHAN LOC Chairperson, Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana who was amongst the guests, congratulated the teams that will be part of what is set to be yet another ground-breaking tournament in South Africa.
“On behalf of the entire board, management and staff, we take this opportunity to welcome and congratulate all the teams that have made it into the final 16. As we stand here with complete admiration and pride, we wish to extend a warm African welcome to all the countries that we look up to being hoisted high up in the skies and wish them the best of luck in this football tournament that we strongly believe will Celebrate Africa,” concluded Nonkonyana.
The CHAN LOC COO, Andrew Dipela highlighted the fact that the country is fast approaching Kick-Off and that this Flag Raising Ceremony is a clear indication that CHAN 2014 is upon us.
“We are less than a 100 Days to one of the most anticipated events for the year 2014, on the football calendar in Africa. We have raised the Flags of the 16 participating countries and it is now up to us, the Government and the people of South Africa to once again show the world that this country is the prime destination for hosting events of this magnitude.
CHAN 2014 will be counted as one of the best football tournaments ever to be hosted in Africa, and we trust that the 16 participating countries will provide our packed stadiums with a distinct flair of African football,” said Dipela.
Orange CHAN 2014 Kicks Off on 11 January 2014 to 1 February 2014 in Cape Town, Mangaung and Polokwane.
Group A and B matches are set to be contested at the Cape Town and Athlone stadiums respectively while Group C and D will battle it out at the Free State Stadium and New Peter Mokaba Stadium respectively.
