Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has clarified that the highly anticipated Bayern Munich versus Ajax match scheduled for January 5, 2027, will feature the clubs' senior teams.

Mwangi dismissed claims circulating among football fans suggesting that the two European football giants would send their legendary former players instead of their current squads.

The clarification comes amid growing public interest in the international football spectacle expected to take place at the Talanta Stadium in Nairobi.

Speaking about the highly anticipated encounter, the Sports PS insisted that organisers had made arrangements for the main senior teams from both clubs to participate.

He said the information suggesting that Bayern Munich and Ajax would be represented by their legends was misleading and needed to be corrected.

"I want to clarify that the teams coming for the Bayern Munich vs. Ajax match will be their main senior teams, not the legends, as some people have been claiming," Mwangi stated.

His remarks are expected to address concerns among football enthusiasts who had questioned whether the event would feature active professional players or retired football stars.

Bayern Munich and Ajax are among Europe's most recognisable football clubs, with both sides boasting rich histories and significant achievements in domestic and international competitions.

Bayern Munich, based in Germany, has established itself as one of the continent's most successful clubs, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies.

Ajax, meanwhile, remains one of the Netherlands' most decorated football institutions, having produced several world-class players throughout its history.

The proposed January encounter is expected to provide Kenyan football supporters with an opportunity to witness internationally recognised clubs competing on local soil.

The event is also viewed as an important moment for Kenya's growing ambitions to attract major international sporting competitions and strengthen its football industry.

Talanta Stadium, which has a planned seating capacity of approximately 60,000, is expected to become a major sporting and entertainment venue once completed.

The government has previously indicated that preparations for the match involve private sponsorship rather than direct government funding.

Sports authorities have maintained that hosting internationally recognised clubs could help raise Kenya's profile as a destination for major sporting events.

However, attention will now focus on the participating squads, official club confirmations and other logistical arrangements ahead of the January 5 encounter.

Mwangi's clarification has nevertheless provided an important distinction, confirming that the intended spectacle involves the senior teams rather than exhibition appearances by retired legends.

SOURCE